Ryanair is pursuing legal action against a passenger who allegedly caused significant disruption on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in April last year. The incident forced the airline to divert the plane to Porto, Portugal, affecting 160 passengers and resulting in an overnight delay. The disruption led to passengers losing a full day of their holiday, prompting Ryanair to seek £12,500 in damages for the expenses incurred due to the diversion.
The airline has filed proceedings in an Irish court, describing the passenger's behavior as "inexcusable" and "completely unacceptable." Ryanair hopes that these civil proceedings will serve as a deterrent to further disruptive behavior on flights. The incident highlights the challenges airlines face in maintaining order and the implications for passengers when disruptions occur.
Under EU laws, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights within the EU that are canceled or delayed by three hours or more. In such cases, airlines must offer free hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, along with transport between the hotel and airport, and a complimentary meal and refreshments. This legal framework underscores the financial burden on airlines when flights are disrupted.
A similar case occurred in 2020 when a passenger who disrupted a Ryanair flight to Athens was convicted in a Greek court, receiving a five-month suspended jail sentence and a €400 fine. This precedent further emphasizes the consequences of unruly behavior on aircraft.
Ryanair has announced a "major clampdown" on disruptive behavior, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining order and safety aboard its flights. A spokesperson for the airline stated:
"It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger's behaviour."
The airline vows to "continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour on aircraft," signaling its intolerance for such incidents. By taking legal action, Ryanair aims to protect its passengers' travel experiences and mitigate financial losses due to flight disruptions.