**Ryanair Imposes £500 Minimum Fine on Unruly Passengers Amid Rising Disruptions**
Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest budget airlines, has announced the implementation of a minimum £500 penalty for any passenger ejected from a flight due to disruptive behaviour. The airline says the decision aims to address and deter unruly conduct onboard, reflecting a growing trend in the aviation industry to adopt stricter measures against disorderly travellers.
Under the new rules, passengers who are removed from flights for misconduct can expect to face this minimum charge. Ryanair stresses, however, that this fee may only be the beginning, as the company reserves the right to pursue further compensation for losses incurred as a result of disruptive incidents. The carrier’s statement highlights a strong desire to cultivate a more secure and pleasant environment for all those onboard.
A Ryanair spokesperson commented: “It is unacceptable that one unruly individual can spoil the experience for hundreds of passengers and our hardworking crew. By introducing a £500 minimum fine, we are sending a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated on our flights. Our passengers and employees deserve to travel in a calm and respectful atmosphere.”
The decision comes against a backdrop of rising reports of passenger misconduct across the industry, particularly incidents fueled by excessive alcohol consumption. To address this, Ryanair has repeatedly called on airport authorities to introduce a cap of two alcoholic beverages per customer at airport bars, arguing that such a policy would provide an added layer of safety for both passengers and staff. The airline believes that limiting access to alcohol could significantly reduce the number of onboard disturbances.
Disruptive behaviour on flights is not just a matter of inconvenience—it can have serious operational and financial consequences. In extreme cases, pilots are forced to divert to alternate airports, causing delays and incurring substantial costs. Such diversions can result in significant expenses, from additional fuel and landing fees to logistical arrangements for affected passengers and crew.
Earlier this year, Ryanair began taking legal action against passengers who sparked costly disruptions. In one notable case, the airline initiated proceedings in Ireland to recover €15,000 (approximately £12,600) in damages. The lawsuit centres on an April 2024 incident where a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote was diverted to Porto following a passenger’s unruly actions. According to Ryanair, these damages reflect expenses such as overnight accommodation for 160 passengers and six crew members, airport handling fees in Porto, and legal costs in Portugal.
The breakdown of these damages illustrates the severe financial impact disruptive individuals can have on airlines. For the Porto diversion, Ryanair reported spending around €7,000 (£5,900) on accommodation, €2,500 (£2,100) in airport fees, and a similar amount on legal fees. These are costs that the airline now intends to recoup wherever possible, using both fines and legal routes.
Whilst Ryanair concedes that most passengers comply with rules and maintain orderly behaviour, the company is determined to tackle the “tiny number” of individuals who create disproportionate disruption. The hope is that stiff fines and legal consequences will serve as a meaningful deterrent for anyone contemplating misbehaviour.
The airline’s latest initiative forms part of a wider movement among carriers to reclaim control of the in-flight experience, ensuring safety and comfort for all. Other airlines may be watching closely to see if Ryanair’s tougher approach proves effective in curbing onboard incidents and safeguarding both passenger experience and airline resources.
As summer travel increases and more people take to the skies, Ryanair’s new policy is set to test the willingness of passengers to adhere to a stricter set of behavioural expectations—one where the cost of misbehaviour could be felt not just in personal embarrassment, but in their wallets as well.