Ryanair Passenger Arrested After Screaming Abuse Over Refused Alcohol Service.

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 3, 2026 at 06:49 AM UTC, 3 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Ryanair Passenger Arrested After Screaming Abuse Over Refused Alcohol Service.

Ryanair faced a disruptive passenger incident when Jerzy Skiba (49) was arrested in Dublin for verbally assaulting cabin crew after being refused alcohol.

Key Takeaways

  • Passenger Jerzy Skiba (49) was arrested in Dublin following a Ryanair flight incident.
  • The incident involved verbal abuse after the passenger was refused alcohol service by cabin crew.
  • IATA data shows one unruly passenger incident for every 568 flights, highlighting a growing industry trend.
  • Ryanair enforces a zero-tolerance policy, often pursuing civil lawsuits and fines against disruptive passengers.

A recent Ryanair disruptive passenger incident highlights ongoing challenges for air travel safety. A man was arrested in Dublin following an aggressive outburst on a flight. The aggressive air passenger reportedly screamed abuse at cabin crew. This occurred after staff refused to serve him more alcohol on board the aircraft.

Incident Details

The passenger, identified as Jerzy Skiba (49), was arrested upon arrival at Dublin Airport. He faced charges for verbally assaulting the cabin crew. The crew refused further service due to the passenger's behavior. This refusal led to the cabin crew abuse incident.

Such incidents pose a significant risk to flight operations. They can compromise the safety and comfort of all passengers. Airlines maintain strict rules regarding alcohol service. Crew members are trained to deny service to intoxicated individuals. This is a critical part of aviation security regulations.

Industry-Wide Unruly Passenger Trends

This event is part of a worrying global trend. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) tracks unruly passenger statistics. IATA reported one unruly incident for every 568 flights in 2022. This rate is an increase from the previous year. Most incidents involve non-compliance, verbal abuse, and intoxication.

  • Non-compliance with crew instructions is the most frequent issue.
  • Verbal and physical abuse reports have also increased.
  • The consumption of personal alcohol on board is a common factor.

Airline Response and Legal Action

Ryanair maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct. The airline often pursues legal action against disruptive passengers. This is done to recover costs from flight delays or diversions. In some cases, fines have reached up to €15,000.

Ryanair also advocates for industry-wide changes. The airline has previously called for a two-drink limit. This limit would apply to passengers at airport bars before flying. This measure aims to curb intoxicated passenger arrest scenarios.

Regulatory and Safety Focus

Regulators like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) emphasize cabin safety. Cabin crew training includes conflict de-escalation techniques. However, legal frameworks remain a challenge.

IATA continues to urge governments to ratify the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14). This protocol closes jurisdictional gaps in international law. Ratification would allow for easier prosecution of unruly passengers. This is crucial for maintaining air travel safety standards globally. The aviation industry is committed to a safe environment for all travelers and crew.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights.

For airline finances, mergers, and industry strategy, visit the Business category at flying.flights/business.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

Visit Profile

You Might Also Like

Discover more aviation news based on similar topics

FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the replacement of certain Safran PBEs due to a manufacturing flaw that can block oxygen flow.

GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana

Guyana's GCAA has suspended two air traffic controllers after a United and Turpial Airlines flight came within five miles, half the required separation.

American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight

Colombian authorities are investigating an American Airlines 737 MAX after bullet holes were found post-flight in Miami, likely from its landing in Medellín.

Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January

Air India recorded a fourfold rise in technical incidents to 1.09 per 1,000 flights in January, prompting intensified regulatory scrutiny and new inspections.

AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:10 AM UTC4 min read

AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud

AOG Technics founder Jose Yrala was jailed for selling 60,000 fake jet-engine parts, causing nearly £40 million in damages to the global airline industry.

Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:19 AM UTC4 min read

Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes

Mexican authorities report Jalisco security has stabilized, allowing airlines to resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara after cartel violence.