Ryanair has announced a delay in its plan to switch to 100% paperless boarding passes, now set to begin with the airline’s Winter schedule on November 3. The move, initially planned for earlier this year, will see passengers relying solely on digital boarding passes through the airline’s “myRyanair” app.
Currently, around 80% of Ryanair’s passengers already use digital boarding passes, and the airline expects the transition to be completed by November. Passengers will no longer have the option to download and print a physical boarding pass. Instead, the digital pass will be generated when they check in via the app.
The change is part of Ryanair’s broader initiative to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By eliminating paper boarding passes, the airline expects to save over 300 tonnes of paper waste annually, contributing to a decrease in its overall carbon footprint.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized that the airline’s move reflects a broader trend seen in industries such as concerts, sports venues, and rail travel, where mobile-based services have replaced traditional paper tickets. With the majority of Ryanair customers already using the myRyanair app, the airline believes this is the ideal time to make the transition for all passengers.
“By November 2025, the switch to 100% paperless boarding passes will enhance the travel experience, particularly during disruptions,” Brady said. “Passengers will receive real-time updates on their phones, along with alternative flight options and assistance with hotel or transfer arrangements if needed.”
The airline also expects that the move will help streamline operations, especially during its quieter Winter schedule, and lead to smoother and faster travel for customers. Additionally, by removing the need for physical check-ins, Ryanair anticipates the elimination of most airport check-in fees, further benefiting passengers.
As Ryanair looks to grow its customer base to 300 million over the next decade, this shift to digital boarding will play a significant role in reshaping the airline’s operations and customer experience.
