Ryanair Chief Urges Two-Drink Limit at Airports
Michael O'Leary wants boarding passes checked when passengers order alcohol, citing disruptive flights.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Air Travel
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Should airports limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks each?
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called for a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger at airports, with boarding passes shown when ordering. He said airports pass the problem of drunken passengers on to airlines and that the limit would apply at any time of day.
Why it matters
O'Leary says passengers drink too much during flight delays, and on average one or two Ryanair flights a week are diverted due to passenger incidents. The proposal would change how airport bars serve alcohol before departure.
The proposal sets a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger, with on average one or two Ryanair flights a week diverted due to passenger incidents. It is not yet known whether airports would adopt the limit or how it would be enforced.
The players
Michael O'Leary
Chief executive of Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, who has long campaigned for limits on in-airport alcohol sales.
Ryanair
Irish low-cost airline operating a large share of short-haul flights across Europe.
The details
O'Leary wants passengers to show boarding passes when ordering alcohol so airport bars can track consumption. He also suggested banning the traditional early-morning airport pint altogether, and has called for the two-drink limit for many years, repeating it on Sky News this month.
Timeline
May 2025: an easyJet flight diverted after a stag party vaped and abused cabin crew.
August 2025: an alleged vomiting and wine-spitting incident occurred on a British Airways Heathrow to San Diego flight.
April 26, 2026: a Ryanair flight from Newcastle upon Tyne to Ibiza turned into a mid-air party.
November 2026: O'Leary repeated the two-drink limit call on Sky News.
Industry Context
The push follows a May 2025 easyJet diversion caused by a rowdy stag party that vaped and abused crew. It extends a pattern of in-flight disruption into a debate over how airports sell alcohol.
If the limit is adopted, passengers flying from airports with delays may find bars requiring boarding passes before serving alcohol. Travelers should expect stricter service at airport bars and plan accordingly.
The takeaway
Airport alcohol service may tighten as airlines push for limits on passengers who drink heavily during delays. Travelers can reduce risk by pacing their drinks before boarding.
Further reading
For more on how rowdy passengers are reshaping flight rules, see Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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Should airports limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks each?
