Ryanair CEO slams 'dumb' EU and vows planes will leave without passengers caught in queues

"We're not delaying our flights for people who are stuck in passport control queues," O'Leary said. 06:49, Fri, Jul 24, 2026 Updated: 06:54, Fri, Jul 24, 2026 Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary (Image: Getty)Ryanair's top boss has issued a warning to passengers about being on time for flights while delivering a damning verdict on the European Union's travel rules.Speaking on the The Travel Expert podcast, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said if passengers are not at the boarding gate when the flight has finished boarding, it will leave without them. Get travel news and expert holiday advice plus selected offers and competitions Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyHe said that it is travellers' responsibility to arrive for flights on time. He also called EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen 'stupid' during his appearance on the podcast.British holidaymakers have had to add the add the stress of the EU's entry-exit system (EES) to their travel plans after a change to t...