Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has formally clarified that Ryanair is not permitted to enforce digital-only boarding passes in Portuguese airports, following the airline’s wider move toward mobile-only travel documentation across parts of its network. Ryanair digital boarding passes Portugal

The clarification comes after Ryanair announced plans to transition many of its routes to digital boarding passes issued exclusively through its mobile app. ANAC has stated that such a policy cannot be applied in Portugal and emphasized that passengers have the right to board using either a digital or printed boarding pass.

Printed Boarding Passes Must Remain Available

According to ANAC, all passengers departing from Portuguese airports—including Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO), and Madeira (FNC)—must be allowed to present a physical boarding pass if they choose to do so or if they are unable to access a digital version.

Airlines operating in Portugal are required to ensure boarding passes are “accessible, free, and available to all passengers,” regardless of digital capability.

This means Ryanair must:

• Provide printed boarding passes at the airport free of charge
• Allow passengers to board with a printed pass, even if a digital option exists
• Avoid imposing penalties or reissue fees on passengers unable to access digital documentation

ANAC has reinforced that passengers cannot be denied boarding solely for not possessing a digital boarding pass.

Digital Boarding Passes Still Accepted

While printed boarding passes must remain available, ANAC also confirmed that digital boarding passes remain valid and fully operational within Portugal’s airport infrastructure. Travelers may continue to board using the Ryanair mobile app or a digital QR code if they prefer.

The ruling does not restrict digital use—it simply ensures digital-only policies cannot be made mandatory.

Rationale Behind the Decision

ANAC’s intervention focuses on passenger rights, accessibility, and operational fairness. The authority has stated that a digital-only system could create barriers for:

• Travelers without smartphones
• Passengers experiencing device failure or battery loss
• Elderly passengers or those unfamiliar with mobile apps
• Visitors relying on limited mobile data or roaming services

In its statement, ANAC emphasized that “access to essential travel documentation must not be dependent on digital tools” and that airlines must accommodate all passengers equally.

Check-In Requirements Remain Unchanged

The ruling does not affect Ryanair’s standard check-in procedures.

Passengers are still required to check in within the time window defined by the airline:

• 24 hours before departure for passengers who have not purchased a seat
• Up to 60 days in advance for passengers who have purchased their seat

These rules continue to apply regardless of whether a passenger uses a digital or printed boarding pass.

Implications for Travelers

For passengers flying to or from Portugal with Ryanair, the updated clarification guarantees the following:

• Digital boarding passes are allowed but not obligatory
• Printed boarding passes must be provided or accepted without fees
• Passengers cannot be denied boarding for lacking a smartphone or digital pass
• Ryanair must accommodate both digital and non-digital travel documentation

This ensures travelers retain the flexibility to choose the boarding pass format that best suits their circumstances.

Portugal Reinforces Passenger Protection

With this decision, Portugal becomes one of the EU countries taking a firm stance on digital-only aviation policies, prioritizing accessibility and consumer protection. The ruling aims to ensure that no traveler is disadvantaged by device issues, technological limitations, or digital access barriers.

ANAC continues to monitor airline practices to ensure compliance and maintain consistent standards across all Portuguese airports.