Ryanair has announced that it will enforce a ban on paper boarding passes from Wednesday, November 12, moving the date back from the originally planned November 3 to avoid the mid-term school holidays. All passengers must use a digital boarding pass downloaded via the Ryanair app.
The airline stated that the change will apply to all flights to and from any destination, with the app providing real-time updates, travel document storage, and access to features such as Travel Assistant and live flight updates. The aim is to “minimise disruption” and create a smoother journey.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary explained that the move is part of a broader plan to eliminate most airport check-in desks, as approximately 85–90% of passengers already use smartphones. He reassured travellers that if a phone battery dies or is lost, as long as they have checked in online before arriving at the airport, a replacement paper boarding pass will be issued free of charge at the gate.
However, Ryanair’s website notes that airports in Morocco, Turkey (except Dalaman), and Tirana in Albania do not yet accept mobile boarding passes. Passengers travelling from or through these airports must print a paper copy from their email confirmation or the app.
O’Leary emphasised that the new policy will simplify the travel process, with the app offering a smoother check-in experience. The airline expects all passengers to adapt to the digital-only system by the November deadline.
