Six Ryanair Crew Members Fired Over a Pretend “Naptime” Photo
When the Ryanair staff’s bedtime antics were caught on camera—well, a staged camera—by a Spanish airport office, the results were swift and decisive. Six cabin crew members were let go after the photos slipped onto social media.
What Happened?
During a chilly night in Málaga, Spain, Ryanair’s Porto-bound flights were diverted. 28 crew members found themselves stranded. Because a Spanish bank holiday left nearby hotels full, the crew stayed in the cramped airport office for a few hours. A screenshot of the crew “sleeping on the floor” made rounds online, sparking a wave of outrage.
The Airplane‑Spanned Debate
- June 14, 2023 – The photo was first shared by user Jim Atkinson on Twitter, accompanied by a tweet claiming it was a “protest picture”.
- July 6, 2023 – Ryanair admitted the crew only fared a “short time” in the office but denied anyone actually slept on the ground.
- August 6, 2023 – The airline released CCTV footage that showed the crew laying down for the photo, not for a nap.
Union Reaction
The Portuguese cabin crew union SNPVAC took a hard stance. “This wasn’t just a photo, it was a vent of indignation,” said President Luciana Passo. The union also highlighted the company’s “irreparable breach of trust” with the six crew members now fired.
Did Ryanair Really Bust?
While the airline tried to paint the incident as a “short time at the office,” it was clear the media backlash left a dent in its reputation. The company felt the damage was significant enough to fire the crew after the photo’s leak in November.
Bottom line? In the high-flying world of budgets and bumpy schedules, even a snappish social media post can take flight—sometimes leading to a dramatic in‑flight landing of job security.
