Ryanair sues passenger for disruptive behavior on flight

Ryanair has taken legal action against a passenger for disruptive behavior on a flight from Lanzarote to Santiago on January 17. The airline has started criminal proceedings in Spanish courts after the passenger's actions caused a 40-minute delay and distress for 137 other travelers. According to Ryanair, the passenger, who claimed to be a UN diplomat with "diplomatic immunity," tried to sit in a seat that wasn't his. He became verbally abusive when the flight crew asked for his boarding card. The Guardia Civil had to remove him from the flight in Lanzarote. Ryanair maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy concerning passenger behavior. A company spokesperson emphasized that it is unacceptable for other passengers to face delays due to one unruly individual. They stated that the disruption experienced on this flight was regrettable. The airline noted that the legal action could lead to a prison sentence of 3 to 12 months, or a fine that could be equivalent to 6 to 18 months' salary for the passenger. Ryanair hopes this case will deter similar behavior in the future, allowing everyone onboard to travel in a comfortable and respectful environment. Earlier this year, Ryanair also filed a separate legal case for over €15,000 against a passenger who disrupted another flight. The airline cited a significant increase in unruly behavior in recent years, including issues related to intoxication and aggression. Irish airlines and aviation authorities have recently come together to address this rising trend in disruptive behavior, committing to a collaborative approach to enhance passenger safety and comfort.