Ryanair has announced a new policy aimed at curbing unruly behaviour on its flights by imposing a minimum £500 fine on passengers who are removed from an aircraft due to disruptive conduct. This move is part of the airline’s broader effort to ensure a safe, comfortable, and timely experience for all travellers.
The airline revealed last Thursday that the £500 charge serves as a baseline penalty, with the possibility of higher fines depending on the severity of the incident. Ryanair emphasized that such behaviour, although relatively rare, is an industry-wide problem affecting many carriers.
“Passengers expect to travel in a stress-free environment, free from unnecessary disruption caused by a small number of unruly individuals,” Ryanair stated. “While we continue to pursue civil damages against disruptive passengers, at minimum, they will face a £500 fine.”
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A Ryanair spokesperson elaborated, “It is unacceptable for one passenger’s misconduct to cause distress and delays for others on board. Introducing this fine will help deter such behaviour and support a safer, more pleasant journey for all.”
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) underscored the seriousness of such incidents, highlighting their potential to jeopardize flight safety and disrupt operations. The CAA noted that disruptive passengers could cause diversions, forcing them to cover the resulting costs and potentially face criminal charges or prison sentences.
Recently, Ryanair took legal action against a passenger whose “inexcusable behaviour” led to a flight diversion of nearly 400 miles, suing for over £2,500 in damages.
The airline asks for public opinion on this new penalty and invites readers to share their thoughts on how unruly passengers should be managed and penalized.