{"id":158092,"date":"2026-09-19T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T10:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158092"},"modified":"2026-09-19T14:41:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T09:11:48","slug":"ryanair-oleary-apologizes-after-controversial-remark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/19\/ryanair-oleary-apologizes-after-controversial-remark\/","title":{"rendered":"Ryanair CEO Michael O\u2019Leary U-Turns After Controversial \u201cHigh-Fare Rapi*ts\u201d Remark"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DUBLIN\u2014<\/strong> Ryanair (FR)<\/a> Chief Executive Michael O\u2019Leary has apologized for describing rival full-service airlines as \u201chigh-fare rapists,\u201d ending more than a week of controversy over remarks made during a media briefing in Dublin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary said he was sorry for the offense caused, particularly to victims and survivors of sexual violence, and described his use of the term as careless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comments were made on September 10 as O\u2019Leary discussed rising fares at competing airlines, including British Airways (BA<\/a>), Aer Lingus (EI) and Lufthansa (LH). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He argued that higher prices would encourage passengers to switch to Ryanair\u2019s lower fares, while using the disputed term to describe its competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ryanair
Photo: Ryanair<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair O\u2019Leary Issues Apology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a video released on September 18, O\u2019Leary said conversations with family and friends over the previous 10 days had led him to recognize the level of upset caused by his wording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said he wanted to apologize \u201csincerely and unreservedly\u201d and pledged that he would not use the term again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary had initially rejected calls for an apology after the remarks attracted criticism. In a letter to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh, he argued that he had clearly described rape as a heinous crime and said he would not accept the organization\u2019s offer of training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had called for an apology, saying the comments could contribute to the trivialization of sexual violence and could be deeply hurtful to survivors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization also offered O\u2019Leary training on the impact of language surrounding sexual violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo :Hugo LUC | Wikimedia Commons | https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Boeing_737_8AS_-_EI-DLV_from_Ryanair_after_landing_at_LFBT_airport.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Remarks Sparked Backlash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary made the comments at Ryanair\u2019s Dublin headquarters<\/a> ahead of the airline\u2019s annual general meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When reporters challenged him over whether the comparison was appropriate, he initially maintained that it was and repeated his description of rival airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remarks drew criticism from victims\u2019 groups and politicians in Ireland and the United Kingdom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris described the language as inappropriate, while the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the comments had prompted concern among survivors of sexual violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The controversy marks a reversal from O\u2019Leary\u2019s initial position. His latest statement acknowledges that his choice of words caused significant offense, while maintaining that he considers rape a serious and heinous crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ryanair
Photo: By World Travel & Tourism Council – Michael O\u2019Leary, CEO, Ryanair, CC BY 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=54703627<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair CEO Contract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The apology comes shortly after Ryanair shareholders approved a new compensation arrangement for O\u2019Leary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the agreement, he is contracted to remain as the airline group\u2019s chief executive until April 2032.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The package includes an option over 10 million Ryanair shares, subject to performance and employment conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full vesting depends on the company\u2019s profit after tax exceeding \u20ac4 billion<\/strong> or its ordinary share price reaching \u20ac42 and remaining above that level for 28 consecutive days during the relevant period, PYOK<\/a> flagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary\u2019s latest apology brings the immediate dispute over his comments to a close, although the episode has added another controversy to the long-running public profile of Ryanair\u2019s outspoken chief executive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ryanair Shareholders Approve O\u2019Leary\u2019s \u20ac150 Million Package Despite Major Revolt<\/a><\/blockquote>