Major low cost carrier Ryanair announced that it has started legal action in Polish courts. The airline is seeking over €3,000 in damages from a disruptive passenger who caused trouble on flight FR7124 from Berlin to Marrakesh on January 9.
When the passenger concerned became disruptive en route, flight crew were forced to divert and land in Seville. On arrival, the passenger was removed, but not before inconveniencing 170 passengers and six crew members.
To address this, Ryanair has banned the disruptive passenger from flying with them for five years. The carrier also reported the individual to the Guardia Civil, Spain’s police force.
Ryanair: Recent Legal Actions
Ryanair states that it is dedicated to making sure everyone on board their planes—passengers and crew alike—can travel safely and respectfully.
The airline is known for its firm “zero tolerance” rule against rude or unruly passengers. Recently, Ryanair also sued a passenger for €15,000 after a Dublin-to-Lanzarote flight diverted to Porto in April 2024.
Last month, the airline began proceedings for a criminal case in Spain against another disruptive traveler. These actions underscore Ryanair’s commitment to ensuring safe, respectful travel while deterring future disruptions.
A spokesperson from Ryanair gave comment on the most recent legal action. “It’s simply not right that travelers should face disruptions because of one person’s actions.”
“That’s exactly what happened on this Berlin-to-Marrakesh flight last January. The plane had to detour to Seville because of one passenger’s disruptive antics, costing us €3,000. Now, we’re taking this passenger to court to recover those losses.”
The spokesperson went on to say that this case is just one example of how Ryanair deals with troublemakers. The airline hopes these legal moves will send a clear message: disruptive behavior won’t be tolerated.
Conclusion
In recent years, the aviation industry has seen a troubling rise in disruptive passenger incidents, and Ryanair’s latest legal action highlights this growing issue.
From verbal altercations to physical outbursts, unruly behavior on flights has surged, often fueled by alcohol, stress, or disregard for rules.
Industry reports note a sharp uptick since travel rebounded post-pandemic, with some airlines recording double the incidents compared to pre-2020 levels.
This trend not only jeopardizes safety but also burdens fellow travelers and crew. Ryanair’s proactive measures—bans, lawsuits, and police reports—signal a broader call for accountability.
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