Ryanair has banned passengers from taking alcohol on all flights from the UK to Ibiza in a bid to improve 'comfort and safety'. The airline confirmed that any alcohol purchased after security checks must now be placed in hold luggage or disposed of at the departure gate.
Previously, the ban only applied to flights from Scotland to Ibiza. Now, passengers on routes from Bristol, East Midlands, Stansted, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow Prestwick, Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports are affected.
Ryanair said it would search bags at departure gates and tag any alcohol found, which would then be placed in the aircraft hold free of charge. If the alcohol is unsuitable for the hold, passengers will be required to dispose of it in bins provided.
The airline warned that boarding gates will be monitored and customers showing signs of anti-social behaviour or attempting to conceal alcohol will be denied travel without refund or compensation. Ryanair emphasised that passenger safety is its 'number one priority'.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) backed the move, stating that being drunk on an aircraft is a criminal offence. A CAA spokesperson said: 'We support UK airlines' efforts to deal with disruptive passengers to ensure the safety of all those on board, and welcome criminal prosecutions where appropriate.'
