Portugal has told Ryanair that it cannot deny boarding to passengers with paper boarding passes after the airline announced that, from 12 November, it would only accept digital boarding passes generated via its mobile app. Portugal is the first EU country to publicly state that this policy cannot be applied on its territory, as it risks violating EU air passenger rights.
Ryanair’s new rule requires all passengers to download the myRyanair app and present a digital boarding pass to board their flight. The airline has said that it will make exceptions for passengers who have a “valid reason” for not using the digital pass, including those without a smartphone. The latter group will be issued a printed pass free of charge, provided they have already checked in online. A fee would only apply to travellers who arrive at the airport without having completed online check-in.
This measure follows a year in which Ryanair and its CEO, Michael O’Leary – who is known for his colourful remarks and frequent disputes with airport authorities – have attracted significant media attention.
'Paperless Boarding'
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) October 21, 2025
it's official… 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/veAWowEtQ7
Portugal reacted almost immediately. Not because of concerns over digital literacy, as Portugal is one of the EU’s strongest performers in this area, but because Ryanair’s rule contradicts EU passenger rights law. Airlines cannot deny boarding to someone with a valid ticket simply because they do not own a smartphone or cannot access an app.
Critics also raised practical concerns: what if a phone’s battery dies, the device is lost or stolen, or internet access is unavailable? In the event of a system failure or cyberattack, travellers could face unnecessary disruption.
ANAC formally reminded Ryanair of its obligations, informing the airline that it cannot deny boarding to any passenger in Portugal who holds a confirmed reservation and has checked in, regardless of whether the boarding pass is digital or printed. The regulator also warned Ryanair against charging passengers for a physical boarding pass if they require one for a reason covered by EU regulations.
Following a review of Ryanair’s policy and a request for clarification, Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) stated: “It appears that Ryanair intends to guarantee all passenger rights, including those of passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, or who do not have a smartphone or tablet. It also intends not to apply a boarding-pass reissue fee to those who have checked in online.”
Ryanair has reiterated that passengers without smartphones can request a free printed boarding pass at the airport as long as they have checked in online first. The airline has also confirmed that passengers with reduced mobility will not be affected.
Nevertheless, ANAC emphasised that passengers should have the freedom to choose whether to travel with a digital or paper pass. “ANAC will continue to monitor the situation, fulfilling its mission to ensure safety and compliance with the rights of air transport passengers,” the authority said.
Day 1 of Digital Only Boarding Proving Successful!
— Ryanair Press Team (@RyanairPress) November 12, 2025
⁰As of 1PM…
⁰98% of passengers present digital boarding pass without issue ✅⁰700+ flights across Europe depart on time ✅
⁰Full story 👇https://t.co/NeHuOlg1Xf
Ryanair has defended its decision, claiming that the transition has been successful. According to Ryanair, the policy only applies to the 20% of passengers who were still using paper documentation; 80% were already travelling with digital passes before the change. The carrier stated that, on the first day of implementation, 98% of passengers boarded using digital passes and that there were no reported delays or operational issues. Ryanair estimates that this change will save the airline €52.6 million annually.
However, the digital-only rule will not apply in Morocco, where national regulations require airlines to issue paper boarding passes.
