Ryanair Prosecutes Passenger for Causing 40-Minute Flight Delay

Ryanair has commenced a private criminal prosecution against a disruptive passenger involved in an incident on January 17, 2024, during a flight from Lanzarote to Santiago. The passenger, who claimed to have diplomatic immunity, attempted to take an unassigned seat and became verbally abusive when asked for his boarding pass, causing a 40-minute delay for the 137 other passengers on board. Ryanair emphasized its zero tolerance policy towards such misconduct, stating that the court could impose a sentence of 3-12 months' imprisonment or a fine equivalent to 6-18 months' salary. The airline hopes this legal action will deter future disruptive behavior, ensuring a more pleasant travel experience for all. A spokesperson remarked that it is unacceptable for passengers to suffer delays due to the actions of one individual. Ryanair is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on its flights.