SEPLA condemns Ryanair captain’s dismissal over safety-based decision

The Spanish Airline Pilots’ Union (SEPLA) has strongly criticised Ryanair’s dismissal of a Barcelona-based captain, arguing that the pilot was penalised for making operational decisions intended to ensure flight safety rather than maximise productivity.

According to SEPLA, the captain exercised the authority granted under European aviation regulations by using Commander’s Discretion to complete a flight before subsequently extending the crew’s mandatory rest period because he considered it the safest course of action. The union says Ryanair’s own account confirms that these decisions ultimately led to disciplinary proceedings and the captain’s dismissal.

SEPLA argues that the case goes far beyond one individual pilot, warning that it sends a troubling message to flight crews that conservative, safety-first decisions could result in disciplinary action or even the loss of their jobs. The union stresses that a captain’s authority to make safety-critical decisions is a cornerstone of aviation safety and must remain independent of operational or commercial pressures.

The union also expressed concern about what it describes as a growing number of post-flight operational reviews in which pilots are required to justify safety-related decisions. While such reviews should be used to improve safety, SEPLA warns they risk becoming coercive if they are perceived as precursors to disciplinary action, potentially discouraging pilots from reporting fatigue or making cautious operational decisions.

SEPLA maintains that this approach conflicts with the principles of Just Culture embedded in European aviation safety regulations, which are designed to allow pilots to make safety-related decisions without fear of retaliation. The union argues that if pilots begin to fear disciplinary consequences, operational pressure could influence future decisions, ultimately undermining the aviation safety management system.

The union has pledged its full legal support for the dismissed captain and will seek his reinstatement. It has also reminded Ryanair pilots that whenever there is reasonable doubt about the alertness or fitness of any crew member, safety must take precedence over maintaining the flight schedule. Finally, SEPLA has called on Ryanair to reverse the dismissal and reaffirm its commitment to a genuine safety culture in which captains can exercise their professional judgement without fear of punishment.