Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has implemented a strict new policy banning passengers from bringing water bottles on flights to Ibiza. The decision comes after it was discovered many travellers were disguising vodka as water in their bottles. This enabled them to consume alcohol during the flight.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, explained the rationale behind the ban, stating, “We used to allow passengers to bring only water on board, but we found out they were filling the bottles with vodka. Now, we don’t even permit water.” This measure is part of the airline’s efforts to address the increasing issues related to alcohol consumption on flights to popular holiday destinations like Ibiza.
Escalating aggression linked to alcohol and drug use
O’Leary further elaborated on the growing concerns about in-flight behaviour, noting that the problem extends beyond just alcohol. “In the old days, people who drank too much would just fall asleep. But now, these passengers are also taking pills and powders. It’s a mix that leads to much more aggressive behaviour, which is becoming very difficult to manage,” he said.
This shift in passenger behaviour has not only impacted the cabin crew but has also led to a rise in conflicts among passengers themselves. “Fights between passengers are now a growing trend on our flights,” O’Leary remarked. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges faced by airlines in maintaining safety and order on board.
Ibiza: A hotspot for in-flight misconduct
Ibiza has been singled out as the worst destination for these issues, according to O’Leary. However, similar problems have also been reported on flights to other beach destinations like the Greek islands and cities such as Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The trend underscores a broader issue with holidaymakers engaging in excessive drinking before and during flights.
Calls for stricter alcohol controls at airports
In addition to the water bottle ban, O’Leary has called for stricter controls on alcohol consumption at airports. He suggests that authorities should limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks per boarding pass to prevent them from boarding flights while intoxicated.
“This request wouldn’t impact the profits of airport bars. They can still sell their drinks and food. However, government agencies in the UK and across Europe are not taking this issue seriously,” O’Leary lamented, expressing frustration over the lack of action on this growing problem.
Last year in June the Irish low cost airline banned customers travelling from the UK to six Spanish destinations from bringing alcohol on board. The prohibited destinations are Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Málaga, Mallorca and Tenerife Sur. Ryanair warned all passengers that all hand luggage, including purchase bags from the Duty-Free shops at the airports, will be checked and that all alcoholic beverages will be removed and carried in the hold of the aircraft.
Also read: Ryanair bans alcohol on board to 6 Spanish destinations