Aviation News – Ryanair will require all passengers to use digital boarding passes via its mobile app starting this Wednesday, ending the use of printed boarding passes. The change will affect millions of travelers across Europe.
The airline says passengers may still check in through Ryanair’s mobile website, but boarding will only be possible with the digital pass stored in the official app. The Irish low-cost carrier has been pushing app adoption for some time and is known for generating revenue from add-on services such as seat selection and priority boarding. The shift effectively forces even travelers who prefer printed documents to use the app.
According to Ryanair, the move is intended to speed up airport operations and streamline the boarding process. However, app users frequently report receiving push notifications encouraging them to pay for seat upgrades or additional services, raising concerns that the policy also strengthens the airline’s commercial upselling strategy.
“This is a modern step toward more efficient travel,” a Ryanair spokesperson said. “We are continually investing in digital solutions to make the journey easier and faster for our customers.”
The change reflects a wider trend in the aviation industry toward full digitalization and reduced staffing at check-in points. Passengers unfamiliar with mobile travel procedures may need to adapt, while frequent flyers already using smartphone-based boarding will see little difference.
Ryanair’s move reinforces its identity as a digital-first low-cost carrier, though the debate over customer convenience versus commercial pressure is likely to continue. Travelers are advised to download the app well ahead of their trip to avoid delays at the airport.
Photo Rob Vogelaar