Ryanair has initiated a private criminal prosecution through Spanish courts against a passenger who disrupted flight FR2001 from Lanzarote to Santiago on January seventeenth. The airline claims the passenger’s actions resulted in a forty-minute departure delay and affected one hundred thirty-seven other passengers on board. The incident involved the passenger, who claimed diplomatic immunity, allegedly trying to occupy a seat that was not assigned to him.

When crew members requested to see his boarding card, the passenger became verbally abusive and was ultimately removed from the aircraft by the Guardia Civil. This latest action follows Ryanair’s newly announced policy of pursuing legal action against passengers whose disruptive behaviour hampers flight operations.

A Ryanair spokesperson stated that it is unacceptable for other passengers, many travelling for family holidays, to suffer delays due to one individual’s misconduct. The spokesperson emphasised the commitment to maintaining a comfortable and respectful environment for all travellers.

Under Ryanair’s zero tolerance policy, the airline warns that the court may impose a sentence of three to twelve months of imprisonment or a fine equivalent to six to eighteen months of salary for the accused. Ryanair hopes that this case serves as a stern warning to deter further disruptive behaviour in the future.