A Ryanair flight travelling from Faro in Portugal to Dublin was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Cork Airport today following a disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard.
Flight Diverted as Crew Raise Alarm
The aircraft, operating as flight FR7031, departed Faro at 10:15 am on Monday, 15th December 2025. Less than an hour before its scheduled arrival in Dublin, the crew became concerned about the behaviour of a male passenger. After the crew informed the pilot of the situation, the decision was taken to divert the plane to Cork as a precautionary measure.
The flight landed safely at Cork Airport at 13:04 local time. Gardaí were already waiting on the tarmac and swiftly boarded the aircraft upon arrival.
Man in His 30s Detained by Police
Officers removed a man, reported to be in his 30s, from the plane. A Garda spokesperson confirmed the arrest was made under the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 2022.
The spokesperson stated: "Gardaí arrested a man (30s) following an incident on board an aircraft which diverted to Cork Airport this afternoon. The man is currently detained at a Garda station in Co. Cork. Investigations are ongoing."
Following the removal of the passenger, the aircraft remained on the ground in Cork for approximately 90 minutes. It subsequently took off for Dublin at around 14:30, completing its journey with a significant delay for all onboard.
Ryanair's Stance on Passenger Misconduct
In a statement to the press, a Ryanair spokesperson explained the airline's response: "Crew on this flight from Faro to Dublin called ahead for police assistance after an individual passenger became disruptive onboard. The aircraft was met by police and this passenger was removed."
The budget carrier reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct. The airline highlighted its recent introduction of a £500 fine as part of a major clampdown on unruly behaviour. This fine is issued as a minimum to passengers who are offloaded from an aircraft due to their actions.
Ryanair warned that fines could exceed £500, depending on the circumstances. The airline's policy is designed to act as a deterrent, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free environment for the vast majority of passengers and crew. A spokesperson added that while such incidents are isolated, disruptive behaviour in the confined space of an aircraft is unacceptable.
