Ryanair to Fine Disruptive Passengers €500 for Pre-Flight Ejections
The airline’s new penalty aims to curb growing in-flight misconduct with its toughest deterrent yet.
In a move reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy, Ryanair has introduced a new €500 or £500 fine for any passenger removed from a flight due to disruptive behavior before departure. This becomes the airline’s highest ancillary fee and is intended as a strong deterrent amid a rising number of unruly passenger incidents.
The decision responds to an industry-wide issue. A Ryanair spokesperson stated that “it is unacceptable for passengers to suffer unnecessary delays or disruptions due to the actions of a single disruptive individual.” To ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel environment, the airline has introduced this fine, which will be issued to those ejected from the aircraft for misconduct.
Passenger misconduct has become a serious concern for aviation safety agencies. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a flight within the EU faces a safety risk from disruptive passenger behavior every three hours, with nearly 70% of incidents involving some form of aggression. In Ireland, the #NotOnMyFlight campaign—supported by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and local police—has highlighted a nearly 80% increase in reported incidents at Dublin Airport so far in 2025 compared to all of 2024.
What happens if a Ryanair passenger causes a flight diversion?
Beyond the new fine and potential criminal charges, Ryanair may pursue civil action to recover the full cost of the diversion. These costs can amount to thousands of euros, covering additional fuel, landing and parking fees, accommodation for other passengers, replacement crew, and lost onboard sales.
The implementation of this economic sanction raises questions about how it will be enforced. While Ryanair hasn’t disclosed full details, it’s expected that the penalty will be included in the terms and conditions accepted when purchasing a ticket. The airline may attempt to charge the card used for booking, or ultimately pursue legal action in court to collect the fine.
Costs beyond the initial fine
The €500 fine applies specifically to passengers removed before takeoff. If misconduct occurs mid-flight and forces an emergency diversion at 35,000 feet, the financial consequences become far more severe.
Ryanair actively pursues legal action to recover total diversion costs. One high-profile case involved a €15,000 lawsuit against a passenger whose behavior forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert. The claim included hotel and meal expenses for 160 passengers, airport fees, and operational costs. In another case, a Berlin–Marrakech flight diversion led to a €3,000 civil claim.
In addition to civil action by the airline, offenders also face hefty criminal penalties. A recent case saw a court in Malta impose a €2,000 fine on a Ryanair passenger for smoking onboard and refusing crew instructions.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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