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Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
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Ryanair Initiates Legal Action Against Disruptive Passenger on Diverted Flight
The airline seeks €15,000 in damages following on-board incident that led to Porto diversion.
Ryanair has announced legal proceedings against a passenger whose disruptive behaviour allegedly caused a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to be diverted to Porto, Portugal.
The carrier is claiming €15,000 (£12,500) in damages to cover costs related to the unscheduled stopover.
The legal filing was made in Dublin's circuit court and reflects Ryanair's commitment to maintaining order and safety on its flights.
The incident took place last April and Ryanair described the passenger's conduct as 'inexcusable' and 'completely unacceptable.' This behaviour necessitated the flight's diversion to Porto, resulting in an overnight delay for the aircraft and its 160 passengers.
The airline had to provide accommodation and other essential services, which form the basis of the damages sought.
Ryanair has expressed determination in addressing and mitigating unruly passenger behaviour, which it sees as a growing concern for the airline industry.
A company spokesperson stated, 'It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger’s behaviour.'
The incident adds to a series of high-profile cases involving disruptive passengers, underscoring the challenges faced by airlines globally.
Under EU regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights within the EU that are cancelled or severely delayed.
This includes complimentary hotel accommodations in the case of overnight delays, as well as transportation to and from the airport and meal provisions.
Such incidents are not restricted to Europe.
For example, in June, US federal regulators imposed an $82,000 fine on a Texan woman following an incident on an American Airlines flight in 2021, where she reportedly acted violently towards crew members.
Ryanair's lawsuit might serve as a deterrent, reflecting the airlines' resolve to protect its passengers and stabilize flight operations amid increasing instances of mid-air disturbances.
The carrier is claiming €15,000 (£12,500) in damages to cover costs related to the unscheduled stopover.
The legal filing was made in Dublin's circuit court and reflects Ryanair's commitment to maintaining order and safety on its flights.
The incident took place last April and Ryanair described the passenger's conduct as 'inexcusable' and 'completely unacceptable.' This behaviour necessitated the flight's diversion to Porto, resulting in an overnight delay for the aircraft and its 160 passengers.
The airline had to provide accommodation and other essential services, which form the basis of the damages sought.
Ryanair has expressed determination in addressing and mitigating unruly passenger behaviour, which it sees as a growing concern for the airline industry.
A company spokesperson stated, 'It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger’s behaviour.'
The incident adds to a series of high-profile cases involving disruptive passengers, underscoring the challenges faced by airlines globally.
Under EU regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights within the EU that are cancelled or severely delayed.
This includes complimentary hotel accommodations in the case of overnight delays, as well as transportation to and from the airport and meal provisions.
Such incidents are not restricted to Europe.
For example, in June, US federal regulators imposed an $82,000 fine on a Texan woman following an incident on an American Airlines flight in 2021, where she reportedly acted violently towards crew members.
Ryanair's lawsuit might serve as a deterrent, reflecting the airlines' resolve to protect its passengers and stabilize flight operations amid increasing instances of mid-air disturbances.
