Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has called for alcohol limits in airports to tackle a rise in disorder on flights.

O’Leary said passengers should be restricted to two drinks per journey to stop what he calls an increase in antisocial behaviour and violence on board.

He added that violent outbursts are occurring weekly with alcohol, especially when mixed with other substances.

Speaking to The Telegraph he explained: “We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink. But we don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet,” he said, adding it was difficult for airlines to identify inebriated people at the gate, especially when boarding in a group.

“As long as they can stand up and shuffle they will get through. Then when the plane takes off we see the misbehaviour.”

Ryanair bosses call for airport alcohol limit

O’Leary said crew members and other passengers have become targets with delays adding to the problem of longer drinking times at airports.

“In the old days, people who drank too much would eventually fall over or fall asleep. But now those passengers are also on tablets and powder,” he said.

“It’s the mix. You get much more aggressive behaviour that becomes very difficult to manage.”

Mr O’Leary said Ryanair staff search bags before passengers are allowed to board flights to Ibiza, one of the “party destinations” he says are worst affected which include some of the Greek islands.

What are the alcohol rules on Ryanair?

Currently, passengers on Ryanair flights can have duty-free alcohol on board, but can not drink it during the flight. 

Plus, this summer, customers flying from the UK to Ibiza, Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, and Tenerife South customers can not take booze on board. 

Ryanair states: "Customers will not be allowed to carry alcohol on board and all cabin baggage will be searched at the boarding gates.

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"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 you have purchased priority boarding or have a small piece of hand luggage.

"If the bag is unsuitable for placing in the hold (e.g. plastic bag) then customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided.

"Boarding gates will be carefully monitored and customers showing any signs of anti-social behaviour or attempting to conceal alcohol will be denied travel without refund or compensation."