Ryanair delays move to paperless boarding passes

Ryanair has pushed back its switch to fully digital boarding passes to 3 November 2025.

From then, passengers will no longer need to print a boarding pass and will instead use the digital version available in the “myRyanair” app.

The airline says nearly 80% of its 200 million passengers already use digital passes. By making them mandatory, it expects to phase out most airport check-in fees, as all passengers will have to check in online or via the app.

This change is also expected to cut paper waste, with Ryanair estimating a reduction of more than 300 tonnes each year.

The airline argues that app-based boarding will also improve the travel experience, with live flight updates, quicker access to alternative flights during disruptions, and a way to keep all travel documents in one place.

Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “Ryanair is Europe’s No.1 airline for choice, low fares, and customer service. This move to 100% paperless boarding passes from November 2025 will allow us to deliver an enhanced travel experience for customers, streamlined through the myRyanair app during our less busy Winter schedule.

“This will be particularly useful to passengers during disruptions as it will facilitate real-time updates from our Ops Centre directly to passengers’ phones, and will also provide them with alternative flight options, and offer transfers or hotel accommodation options when necessary.

“Like other ticket industries (concert, sports venues, rail, etc.) there has been a massive switch to using mobile, and with almost 80% of Ryanair customers already using the myRyanair app, it is time to transition the remaining passengers to digital, which will see them reduce their carbon footprint and receive a smoother and enhanced travel experience from November 2025 as Ryanair continues to grow to 300m passengers over the next decade.”