The aviation industry is grappling with a rising tide of alcohol-related incidents on flights, particularly involving British passengers. A recent event on an Emirates flight from Cape Town to Dubai highlighted the severity of the issue when an intoxicated passenger attempted to open the aircraft door during descent.
Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has proposed a controversial solution: limiting passengers to two drinks at airport bars. This suggestion comes in response to a surge in booze-fuelled violence, with attacks on cabin crew and fellow passengers now occurring weekly.
"We don't want to begrudge people having a drink. But we don't allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet."
The problem is not confined to a single airline. Brian Smith, a former Ryanair captain, recounts instances where crew members had to act as "bouncers" to manage intoxicated passengers. He estimates that during peak season, such incidents occur "a dozen times a week at least" across various airlines.
Statistics support the growing concern. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), unruly passenger incidents increased by 47% from 2021 to 2022, with one incident occurring for every 568 flights last year.
The airport drinking culture contributes significantly to this issue. Many travelers view pre-flight drinks as the start of their holiday, with some airport bars reporting booming business. The Windmill pub at Stansted Airport, dubbed "Britain's busiest pub," serves 1.2 million customers annually and generates around £800,000 per week during peak season.
Attempts to address the problem have included placing duty-free alcohol in sealed bags and launching awareness campaigns. However, these measures have had limited success. Some passengers circumvent restrictions by secretly consuming their own alcohol on board.
Consequences for disruptive behavior can be severe, including fines up to £5,000, prison sentences, and potential liability for airline costs if a flight is diverted. Despite these deterrents, incidents persist.
As the aviation industry seeks solutions, it's clear that a balance must be struck between passenger enjoyment and safety. The challenge lies in preserving the celebratory aspect of travel while ensuring a secure environment for all on board.