Ryanair sues ‘unruly’ passenger over flight diversion

Ryanair is pursuing legal action against a passenger who allegedly caused a major disruption on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote.

The airline is seeking £12,500 in damages to cover outgoings incurred when the plane had to divert to Porto, Portugal.

On Wednesday, the airline announced it had filed proceedings against the passenger, whose behaviour on the flight last April was described as “inexcusable” and “completely unacceptable”.

Ryanair stated that it will “continue to receive decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour on aircraft” in an attempt to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

The airline said the passenger’s behaviour forced the flight in question to divert to Porto, where it was delayed overnight, and caused 160 passengers to “face unnecessary disruption as well as losing a packed day of their holiday”.

The damages sought would cover the expense of overnight accommodation and other outgoings for the passengers affected by the diversion.

Announcing what the airline described as a “major clampdown”, a spokesperson on the airline’s website said: “It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with household or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday period as a outcome of one unruly passenger’s behaviour.”

The airline added it hoped the civil proceedings in the Irish court would deter further disruptive behaviour on flights.

The passenger has not been named.

Under EU laws, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights within the EU that are cancelled or delayed by three hours or more.

Hotel accommodation must be offered free of expense if an overnight remain becomes essential, as well as transport between the hotel and the airport along with a free meal and refreshments.

A passenger who disrupted a Ryanair flight to Athens in 2020 was convicted last month in a Greek court and given a five-month suspended jail sentence, along with a €400 ($412) fine.

BBC information has asked Ryanair for comment on the details of the incident.