The question of whether alcohol should be banned on flights has reignited after recent incidents involving disruptive passengers, particularly on budget airlines like Ryanair.

With one traveller’s experience of a rowdy group causing chaos and another event involving a passenger grappling with cabin crew, the issue has drawn considerable attention. These situations prompt passengers and airlines alike to reconsider how much alcohol should be available on flights and whether tighter restrictions or outright bans could make air travel safer and more pleasant for everyone.

One incident involved a group of intoxicated passengers aboard a Ryanair flight to Seville. Their unruly behaviour escalated to the point of harassing a flight attendant, only stopping when the pilot threatened to have them arrested.

This level of disruption, according to witnesses, was shocking and raised concerns over safety. It also highlighted how alcohol consumption before and during flights can quickly get out of hand.

In another, more extreme case, a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Dublin was delayed for nearly five hours due to a passenger who had consumed a litre of Jägermeister before take-off.

The intoxicated man became violent, clashing with cabin crew and alarming other passengers, one of whom had their five-year-old child on board. Passengers were forced to remain on the tarmac while crew changes were made, further prolonging the distress. For some, like a nervous flyer on her first solo trip, the experience was traumatic, pushing them to reconsider the safety of air travel under such circumstances.

The growing number of such incidents raises the question: Should alcohol be banned on flights? Some believe that completely banning alcohol would be too extreme, as most passengers drink responsibly.

However, many agree that stricter controls could be beneficial. For instance, limiting the amount of alcohol passengers can purchase or banning the sale of hard liquor, particularly before boarding, could reduce the likelihood of disruptive behaviour.

Additionally, airports could play a more active role in monitoring intoxicated passengers before they board. Currently, passengers can purchase alcohol from duty-free stores and consume it before boarding, which can create problems if people drink excessively.

Airport staff could be trained to spot signs of intoxication and prevent visibly drunk passengers from boarding.

While it’s clear that banning alcohol on flights would be a controversial and likely unpopular decision for many, there’s no doubt that the safety of passengers and crew should be a priority.

The current system, where airlines like Ryanair sell alcohol on board and duty-free shops offer liquor for purchase before flights, might require revision to better manage and limit incidents like those described.

Flight attendants are trained to handle many scenarios, but dealing with intoxicated and violent passengers adds unnecessary pressure to their already demanding roles.

The growing number of such incidents suggests that additional policies need to be considered, such as implementing alcohol limits or even installing breathalysers at the gate. While these ideas may seem extreme, they could ultimately prevent dangerous and uncomfortable situations for both passengers and crew.

Ultimately, the key concern is the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Incidents involving drunken passengers can disrupt flights, lead to delays, and create traumatic experiences for those affected.

While not everyone who drinks on a flight becomes unruly, the potential for disruptive behaviour seems to increase with alcohol consumption. Stricter regulations could help prevent such incidents from occurring, ensuring that air travel remains a pleasant and safe experience for all passengers.

The debate over banning alcohol on flights has intensified, particularly in light of recent disruptive incidents. While a complete ban might be too extreme for some, tightening restrictions and implementing stricter controls could help minimise the risks associated with alcohol consumption during air travel.

Whether it’s limiting alcohol sales, banning hard liquor, or improving airport monitoring, there are several options to consider, all with the aim of making flights safer and more enjoyable.