Balearic islands ask EU to ban alcohol on flights

Party time on planes may soon be over

Mallorca: Flights to the Balearic Islands may be alcohol free in the future (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Authorities in the Balearic Islands have asked for an alcohol ban on flights and in airports as they try to crack down on “anti-social tourism”.

The request was made to Spain and the EU in Brussels on Tuesday by Pilar Carbonell, Head of Tourism for the islands. In a statement reported by the BBC, she wrote: “We ask the central government and the European commission to ban the consumption of alcoholic drinks on flights and in airports.

“The aim of the measure is to improve passenger security and also that of security forces in planes and airports in our islands, who are often faced with drunk passengers.”

Carbonell explained that the ban was being sought “to guarantee security ... and tackle anti-social tourism.”

The plea follows a series of alcohol fuelled incidents that have drawn attention to the holiday destination. Resorts such as San Antonio in Ibiza and Magaluf in Mallorca have long attracted fun-seeking crowds,but some holidaymakers now choose to start the party en route, causing problems for fellow travellers, airlines and the police.

In May, Spanish police arrested three members of a stag party on a Manchester to Palma Ryanair flight, according to a report in the Manchester Evening News. The group drank wine and Jägermeister on the 6.20am flight before brawling in the aisle, preventing staff and passengers from moving around the aircraft.

Last month two strangers allegedly had sex in a window seat on a Manchester to Ibiza Ryanair flight. The incident was filmed by a fellow passenger who reported that they were both drunk.

After the footage went viral, a Ryanair spokesperson said: “We will not tolerate unruly, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour at any time and any passengers who appear to behave in an unacceptable manner may be liable for further sanctions.”

The statement did not specify whether local authorities were seeking a ban on all EU flights, or a special exemption for those travelling to the Balearic Islands.