Last week, Ryanair announced it had launched a private criminal prosecution in Spain against a passenger responsible for causing chaos on a flight.
The incident occurred on January 17 aboard flight FR2001, traveling from Lanzarote to Santiago. The disruptive individual’s actions led to a 40-minute delay and inconvenienced 137 fellow travelers.
‘Diplomatic Immunity’ and Guardia Civil Intervention
The trouble began when the passenger, who boldly claimed to be a UN diplomat with “diplomatic immunity,” refused to sit in his assigned seat. Instead, he tried to claim another spot.
When the cabin crew politely asked to check his boarding pass, he responded with verbal abuse. His behavior escalated to the point where the Guardia Civil, Spain’s national police force, had to intervene and remove him from the aircraft.
Ryanair has made it clear that such behavior won’t be tolerated. The airline enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on passenger misconduct, prioritizing the safety and comfort of everyone on board.
This incident is a prime example of why Ryanair is committed to cracking down on unruly actions that spoil the travel experience for others.
A spokesperson for Ryanair elaborated on the situation. “It’s simply unfair that families, many enjoying a well-deserved holiday, have their plans disrupted by one person’s selfish actions.”
“On this flight from Lanzarote to Santiago, that’s exactly what happened. One passenger’s outrageous conduct delayed the departure, leaving everyone else waiting.”
Court Action Follows
Clearly, the airline isn’t stopping at words in this particular case. Through the Spanish courts, Ryanair is pursuing legal consequences for the individual concerned.
Depending on the court’s ruling, he could face 3 to 12 months in prison or a hefty fine equivalent to 6 to 18 months of his salary. This strong stance reflects Ryanair’s determination to hold troublemakers accountable.
Ryanair hopes this case sends a clear message. By taking decisive action, the airline aims to discourage similar incidents in the future. The goal is simple: ensure passengers and crew can enjoy a peaceful, respectful journey without unnecessary interruptions.
For years, Ryanair has built a reputation for affordable travel, but it’s equally focused on maintaining a pleasant environment on its flights.
Incidents of disruptive passenger behaviour have become increasingly commonplace in recent years. At best, it results in delays and disruptions for other passengers. At worst, it can see flight emergencies and diversions, as well as physical abuse of operating crew and other passengers.
With this prosecution, the airline further reinforces its zero tolerance policy, proving that disruptive behavior comes with real consequences.
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