Ryanair's zero-tolerance: Passenger sentenced for disruptions
After more than four years since the unfortunate events, a verdict was finally reached. Ryanair has welcomed the decision of the court in Athens to convict the passenger who disrupted the flight.
18 December 2024 21:03
The story of the troublesome passenger travelling with Ryanair to Athens should warn all who behave inappropriately at airports or on flights, disrupt the journey, and do not follow crew instructions.
Troublesome passenger convicted
This is exactly how the man who travelled to the capital of Greece in July 2020 behaved. Although more than four years have passed since then, the court ruled on Wednesday, December 18th.
The passenger received a suspended five-month prison sentence and a fine of 345 pounds. Ryanair is pleased with the verdict and emphasises that it follows a strict zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate passenger behaviour.
According to the Irish airline, firm actions against troublesome passengers benefit the rest of the travellers who do not disrupt the flight.
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is Ryanair’s No.1 priority and we operate a strict zero tolerance policy to try to eradicate unruly behaviour onboard our aircraft. Ryanair welcomes this decision by Athens court, which demonstrates that the tiny number of passengers that disrupt flights will face consequences for their unruly behaviour," said a Ryanair representative, quoted in a press release.
Inappropriate situations
Although reports of some passenger behaviours seem unrealistic, they happen in reality. For example, in November, one passenger travelling from the United Kingdom to the Canary Islands behaved loudly and aggressively, seriously disrupting the flight. However, that was not the worst part. At one point, one of the passengers did not go to the aeroplane toilet when needed but instead urinated in the cabin. Upon reaching Tenerife, the plane was greeted by local police, who immediately dealt with the disruptive passengers.
A surprising situation recently occurred on a Jet2 flight from Antalya, Turkey, to Leeds, England. The flight turned into a nightmare when two passengers fought on board. Despite attempts to intervene by the crew and other travellers, the aggressor continued the attacks, headbutting and trying to bite the opponent. The plane had to make an emergency landing, and the man was immediately handed over to local authorities.
Stories describing such situations can be multiplied almost endlessly.
