Ryanair bans duty-free alcohol on Ibiza flights

Ryanair has banned passengers from taking duty-free alcohol onboard flights from the UK to Ibiza to improve the “comfort and safety” of passengers and crew.

Any alcohol purchased by passengers prior to their flight must now be stored in the hold or disposed of at the gate, the airline has said.

In an email sent to passengers explaining the ban, the airline said bags would now be searched at departure gates for alcohol.

It follows an increase in antisocial behaviour on board by Brits travelling to the Spanish party island.

In May, six allegedly drunk Brits were arrested in Spain over their behaviour on a Ryanair flight. Earlier this month, five British men were escorted off an EasyJet plane travelling from Bristol to Ibiza.

Announcing the changes, Ryanair said: “Any alcohol purchased in airport shops or elsewhere must be packed carefully in a suitable item of cabin baggage, which will be tagged at the gate and then placed in the aircraft hold free of charge.

“If the alcohol is unsuitable for placing in the hold (eg a plastic bag) then customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided.”

Anyone attempting to conceal alcohol “will be denied travel without refund or compensation”, the email added. Previously the airline had banned alcohol on flights to Ibiza from Glasgow.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has backed Ryanair’s attempts to curb drink-related issues on board, noting in a statement that it is “a specific criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft, and also to refuse to comply with instructions from the captain”.

“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.”

Ryanair operates flights to Ibiza from Bristol, East Midlands, Stansted, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow Prestwick, Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports, all of which will be subject to the ban.