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Ryanair has confirmed that from Wednesday 12 November, all passengers travelling with the airline will be required to use digital boarding passes issued through the official myRyanair mobile application. The move marks a significant operational shift for the carrier, which transports more passengers across Europe than any other airline. Paper boarding passes will no longer be available for download or printing after the transition date. The company states that the change is part of an ongoing strategy to streamline airport processes, reduce paper waste, and encourage passengers to use the airline’s app for flight management. Ryanair estimates that the removal of printable boarding passes will reduce paper consumption by several hundred tonnes per year across its network. The myRyanair app will become the central tool for managing bookings, displaying boarding passes, tracking flight updates, storing travel documentation, and communicating with customer support. According to the airline, passengers already using the app will notice no change to the check-in or boarding process, as digital boarding passes are already standard on most Ryanair routes. Passenger Impact and Allowances Policy exceptions and guidance for travellers While the policy aims to simplify travel, Ryanair acknowledges that passengers may encounter circumstances where a mobile device is unavailable. The airline has confirmed that if a passenger has successfully checked in but is unable to present their digital boarding pass due to a lost phone, broken device, or an uncharged battery, airport staff will provide a replacement boarding pass free of charge at the airport service desk. However, this allowance applies only when digital check-in has already been completed. If a passenger arrives at the airport without checking in, standard airport check-in fees will still apply. This change will require all travellers to have a working smartphone or tablet capable of running the myRyanair app. The airline has suggested that passengers should ensure their devices are fully charged before arriving at the airport and consider carrying portable charging equipment during travel. The app stores boarding passes offline once downloaded, meaning an active internet connection is not required at the boarding gate itself. Airports and Operational Considerations Infrastructure and compliance Ryanair operates at more than 230 airports across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The company has evaluated the digital transition across its network and states that the required airport scanning systems are already in place at all departure points. For airports where local regulations require printed documents for border or security reasons, Ryanair notes that boarding passes may still be printed by staff when necessary, though these cases are expected to be uncommon. Airport partners have been informed of the policy change ahead of implementation. The airline has stated that the shift is being communicated well in advance to avoid confusion during peak holiday seasons. Impact on British and European Expat Communities in Spain Frequent travellers will need to adapt to digital-only boarding The change is expected to particularly affect the large British and European expat communities living in Spain, many of whom fly with Ryanair several times a year to visit family, manage property, or commute between seasonal residences. Spain remains one of Ryanair’s busiest markets, with major hubs at Alicante, Sevilla, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Tenerife, where expat passengers make up a notable proportion of traffic. For expats who are already comfortable using smartphones and the airline app, the transition is likely to be straightforward. However, some long-term residents, particularly older retirees, may face challenges if they are not used to managing boarding documents digitally. Community support groups, expat forums, and travel agencies in Spain have already noted that they expect an increase in requests for guidance on how to download, check in, and store digital boarding passes well in advance of travel. Friends, family members, or travel companions may need to assist those uncomfortable with the technology. Ryanair has advised that once a boarding pass is downloaded in the app, it does not require internet access to display, which may ease concerns about connectivity when travelling between the UK and Spain. Ryanair will require all passengers to use digital boarding passes via the myRyanair app from 12 November. Paper boarding passes will no longer be offered for download or printing by passengers, although emergency replacements will be available at airports if a device fails after check-in. The policy aims to simplify travel, reduce paper waste, and consolidate booking and travel information in a single digital platform. Preparing for the Change What passengers should do now Passengers planning to fly with Ryanair after Wednesday, November 12, transition date are encouraged to download the myRyanair app and familiarise themselves with its features. Travellers who do not currently use smartphones may need to adjust their arrangements ahead of time or travel with companions who can manage digital documentation on their behalf. Ryanair states that the shift to a fully digital boarding system is intended to create a more consistent travel experience across its network. The airline maintains that while the change represents a notable adjustment for some passengers, it reflects the broader direction of modern air travel.
