No Paper Boarding: Ryanair’s Extreme Digital Move

Ryanair has announced a major change to its boarding process. From November 12, 2025, the airline will stop accepting paper or PDF boarding passes on most routes, requiring passengers to use the myRyanair mobile app instead.

Why Ryanair is Going Digital

The airline says the shift will simplify boarding, reduce queues, and save over 300 tonnes of paper annually. Ryanair also notes that 80–90 percent of its passengers already use digital passes, making the move a natural next step.

Concerns Over Accessibility

Despite the environmental pitch, the change has triggered strong reactions online. Passengers without smartphones, or those in areas with poor connectivity, worry they will face barriers to travel. Older travellers, in particular, see this as an unnecessary hurdle.

Limited Exceptions Still Apply

Not all regions will be covered by the rule. Countries like Morocco, where local regulations require paper passes, will continue to allow printed documents. Ryanair has also delayed the rollout from November 3 to November 12 to avoid peak holiday disruption.

Balancing Efficiency and Passenger Needs

Ryanair advises travellers without the app to seek help from family members or airport staff, though critics argue this is impractical. The airline’s move reflects a wider industry trend toward digital-only travel, but success will depend on how accessible it remains.