Mayday! 3-Year Streaming

Expanding to the Netherlands (01:46)

Lindbergh Airport celebrates Ryanair's first Dutch base in 2013. The low-cost airline plans to bring tourists to boost the local economy; Christmas Market attendees in Maastricht speculate as to why tickets are so cheap.

Ryanair Mayday (02:34)

On July 26, 2012 Flight FR 2054 left Mallorca for Madrid with 200 passengers. In storm conditions, the captain decided to divert to Valencia, where he was instructed to wait his turn. However, he was short on fuel and cleared for direct approach.

Ryanair Fuel Shortages (01:29)

Pilots speak anonymously about pressure to take on as little fuel as possible to save costs. A culture of fear prevents them from raising concerns about the airline's dangerous cost-cutting tactics.

Ryanair Fear Culture (01:54)

Former captain Ian Somner describes management intimidation tactics and compares CEO Michael O'Leary to a dictator. O'Leary denies dangerous cost cutting tactics, but anonymous pilots fear for passenger safety if they don't speak out.

Understanding Flight Fuel Shortages (03:11)

Valencia airport staff prepared for disaster when Ryanair Flight FR 2054 declared mayday. Pilot decisions on fuel quantities should be supported by the airline, rather than compromising safety.

Ryanair Management Behavior (02:13)

Ryanair pilots describe the psychological effects of company pressure to take less fuel—a product of O'Leary's aggressive character. Less fuel means less time to make decisions, impacting safety.

Mayday Impacts (03:12)

Most Ryanair passengers are unaware of safety compromises. Valencia air traffic was put in a risky situation when Flight FR 2054 ran low on fuel; O'Leary downplayed the situation in the press but pilots explain the potential danger.

Potential Valencia Air Disaster (03:50)

Three Ryanair flights declared fuel shortages on July 26, 2012. O'Leary claimed the situation unique but there have been many incidents. Air traffic controllers had to land a LAN plane with engine failure in addition to the Ryanair mayday calls.

Ryanair Cover Up (02:20)

O'Leary prematurely claimed all three flights took extra fuel on July 26. Experts explain inaccuracies in the Irish Aviation Industry investigation; Spanish Air Traffic Control confirmed the report wasn't objective.

Compromising European Safety (01:57)

Ryanair pilots are constantly on the "edge" of fuel regulations, and it's a matter of time before something goes wrong. Dangerous cost-cutting tactics affect other airlines, ground crew, and residents near airports.

Ryanair Fuel League (02:13)

Pilots compete for taking the least amount of fuel on a company list. O'Leary claims the list is to show the "ideal" average.

Ryanair Pilot Outsourcing (03:47)

New Ryanair pilots spend €30,000 for special training—during which they aren't paid by the company. As independent contractors, they are at a labor disadvantage and incur debt, causing stress and performance deterioration.

Ryanair Pilot Exploitation (04:04)

Contrary to public perception, pilots are overworked and stressed. As independent contractors, they pay for their own pension and health insurance—and are compelled to fly when ill for financial reasons.

Ryanair Pilot Risks (04:42)

Passengers are unaware of the fear culture and safety compromises keeping costs low. Ryanair management uses intimidation to discourage unions; anonymous pilots admit to flying when unwell—illegal in the aviation industry.

Creating Accident Conditions (01:56)

Due to employment policy and fear culture, Ryanair pilots put passengers at risk every day. Experts call for the European Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency to investigate the company before a disaster occurs.

Credits: Mayday! (00:20)