Ryanair urges passengers to keep shoes on as UK airlines seek stricter air‑rage rules

Ryanair posted a TikTok video urging travellers to keep their shoes on during flights, saying barefoot passengers often prop their feet on armrests and cause discomfort. The airline noted some commenters suggested a fee for removing shoes.

At the same time, UK airline leaders are pressing the government to introduce a national "blacklist" that would share information on passengers involved in serious incidents. Data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority show reported serious cases of intoxicated or violent passengers rose from 390 in 2019 to over 1,000 in 2023. Ryanair’s chief Michael O’Leary said the carrier now diverts about one flight a day because of disruptive behaviour, up from one a week a decade ago. The proposed scheme would allow airlines to ban repeat offenders without new legislation, aiming to curb the growing problem of air‑rage.

Both developments highlight growing concerns within the airline industry over passenger misconduct and its operational and safety impacts.