The airline said it filed the claim in the Irish Circuit Court to recover costs incurred after the flight on 9 April 2024 was forced to divert to Porto, where it was delayed overnight.

In a press release, Ryanair said it is “now prosecuting disruptive passengers personally” in what it described as a “major misconduct clamp down”.

A spokesperson said: “It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger’s behaviour.

“Yet this was regrettably the case for passengers on this flight from Dublin to Lanzarote last April, which was forced to divert to Porto as a result of an individual passenger’s disruptive behaviour, causing €15,000 in overnight accommodation, passenger expenses, and landing costs.

“We have now filed civil proceedings to recover these costs from this passenger.

“This demonstrates just one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair’s zero tolerance policy, and we hope this action will deter further disruptive behaviour on flights so that passengers and crew can travel in a comfortable and respectful environment.”