A report by Italy's National Agency for Flight Safety found that Ryanair's retractable onboard stairs are associated with a higher rate of passenger falls than airport-provided stairs.
Key facts
- •The ANSV study analyzed 104 fall incidents in Italy between 2023 and 2025.
- •Ryanair's integrated stairs accounted for 82% of the falls reported in Italy during the study period.
- •The integrated stairway consists of 12 steps with a 35-degree inclination.
- •EU regulations do not mandate specific size requirements for integrated aircraft stairs.
- •Ryanair updated its disembarkation protocols in July 2025 to emphasize handrail usage.
A study published in August 2026 by Italy's National Agency for Flight Safety (ANSV) indicates that passengers using Ryanair's integrated Boeing 737 stairs face a higher risk of falling compared to those using airport-provided stairs. The analysis of incidents in Italy between 2023 and 2025 found that 82% of reported falls involved the airline's forward integrated stairway. While the system allows for faster disembarkation and lower ground-service costs, investigators noted that the stairs' dimensions are at the limits for steepness.
By the numbers
Incident Data and Analysis
Between 2023 and 2025, 104 falls were reported in Italy during boarding and disembarkation, with 85 of those involving Ryanair's integrated stairs. Although Ryanair carried 27% of passengers in Italy during this period, the remaining airlines accounted for only 19 falls. Data from 2021 onwards shows 489 total falls on Ryanair stairs, 360 of which occurred on the Boeing 737's integrated system. ANSV reports this frequency is three times higher than falls recorded on airport stairways.
Design and Safety Concerns
The integrated stairway features 12 steps with a 35-degree inclination. ANSV stated these dimensions are at the limits for height and steepness compared to airport-operated stairs, which typically offer lower steps and larger treads. Additionally, the first step is asymmetrical due to the fuselage shape. While the Spanish aviation safety agency (CIAIAC) previously urged Boeing to redesign the stairs and recommended that Ryanair stop using the integrated system, no investigation has concluded the equipment is defective. ANSV attributes the falls primarily to human factors, such as passenger inattention and failure to use handrails.
Operational Changes
Following serious injuries in Genoa, Venice, and Bologna in 2025, Ryanair updated its disembarkation protocols. Since 23 July, cabin crew have been required to repeat handrail warnings in the languages of both the origin and destination countries. Previous incidents in Dublin in 2021 and Alicante in 2024 also prompted reviews by Irish and Spanish safety authorities.
Timeline
- 2021Falls on integrated stairs occurred in Dublin, prompting an investigation by Irish authorities.
- 22 March 2025A passenger suffered serious injuries after a fall in Genoa.
- 24 March 2025A passenger suffered serious injuries after a fall in Venice.
- 23 July 2025Ryanair began requiring cabin crew to issue handrail warnings in multiple languages.
- August 2026The ANSV study on passenger falls was published.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews Business.
