Flight to Mallorca terminated due to passenger's disappearance
On June 26th, Leipzig Airport witnessed a series of incidents that underscored the importance of adhering to alcohol regulations before flying. Two passengers, including a 45-year-old man, were grounded due to their alcohol consumption, leading to delays and potential costs for the airlines.
The 45-year-old man was set to board a Marabu Airlines flight bound for Mallorca in the afternoon, but his behavior raised concerns among airport staff, resulting in his removal from the security area. His alcohol breath test result was over three per thousand, exceeding the unspecified threshold set by Leipzig Airport and the airlines.
The man's incident is not an isolated case. Federal police officers were called multiple times on June 26th to escort passengers off planes at Leipzig Airport. This trend has prompted the federal police to issue an urgent appeal regarding passengers who are not "flight-ready".
In Germany, there are no specific legal blood alcohol limits for airline passengers, but airlines and airports enforce strict regulations to ensure safety and order onboard flights. Passengers are generally allowed to carry alcoholic beverages in both checked and hand baggage, with restrictions on volume and alcohol content.
However, airlines such as Ryanair have begun to impose policies limiting passengers to a maximum of two alcoholic drinks at airports, facilitated by boarding pass tracking, to reduce in-flight intoxication and related disturbances.
Passengers who exceed these limits or cause disruptions due to alcohol consumption face severe consequences. Airlines have zero-tolerance policies towards disruptive behavior caused by alcohol, with fines of €500 or more for unruly or intoxicated passengers on Ryanair. In severe cases, passengers may face legal action with damages claims reaching thousands of euros.
Flight disruptions caused by intoxicated passengers can lead to significant costs for airlines, such as having to rebook other aircraft and crews. The disruptive passenger may be held financially responsible for these expenses, sometimes exceeding €15,000.
To avoid these consequences, passengers should adhere to airline policies, limit drinking, and respect crew instructions during flights. Leipzig Airport's urgent appeal serves as a reminder for all passengers to prioritize safety and respect while traveling, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.
[1] European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). (2020). Dangerous Goods Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/dangerous-goods-regulations.pdf [2] Ryanair. (2019). Alcohol Policy. Retrieved from https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/travel-information/airport-information/alcohol-policy [3] The Points Guy. (2019). Ryanair's New Alcohol Policy and Why It Matters. Retrieved from https://thepointsguy.com/news/ryanairs-new-alcohol-policy-and-why-it-matters/ [4] Federal Police of Germany. (2021). General Information on Aviation Security. Retrieved from https://www.bundespolizei.de/EN/Themes/Safety/AviationSecurity/aviation-security-node.html [5] German Aviation Authority. (2021). Safety Regulations for Passengers. Retrieved from https://www.luftsicherheit.de/en/passengers/regulations-for-passengers/index.html
The 45-year-old man, bound for Mallorca, was removed from the security area at Leipzig Airport due to his excessive alcohol consumption, causing delays and potential costs for the airlines. His incident, along with multiple other cases on June 26th, has highlighted the importance of maintaining a responsible lifestyle while traveling, adhering to alcohol regulations before flying.
