Ryanair is standing firm on its refusal to refund a ticket for 61-year-old Stephen Crean, who was unable to travel after being stabbed while intervening to stop a violent attack on a train. Crean sustained significant injuries as he attempted to disarm a knife-wielding man targeting passengers, and as a result missed his scheduled Ryanair flight to Austria.

The airline has faced a wave of criticism after reiterating its long-standing policy that all fares are non-refundable, advising travellers to rely on travel insurance for such situations. Members of the public have argued that Crean’s case warrants a compassionate exception, given the circumstances.

Crean was reportedly en route to Vienna to watch Nottingham Forest when the incident occurred on a train in Cambridgeshire on November 1. Despite suffering injuries to his hand, back and head while confronting the attacker, he was unable to board his flight. The football supporter had been travelling home from Manchester after watching his team face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Witnesses and commentators have praised Crean’s actions, describing him as a hero who bought other passengers time to escape. Some have even suggested he should be recognised with the George Cross for extraordinary bravery.

In its official statement, Ryanair said,

"All Ryanair air fares are non-refundable, which is why we strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance in order to protect themselves if they can’t travel."

The Irish carrier’s policies are consistent across its fare types, including its Flexi Plus option, which offers flight-change flexibility and priority services rather than refunds. Similar rules apply across many low-cost airlines, though easyJet and Wizz Air generally only allow refunds within the first 24 hours of booking, minus a cancellation fee. Ryanair does provide travel-credit refunds in specific circumstances, such as the death of a close family member, but makes clear that serious illness or personal emergencies do not qualify.

The rules also align with EU Regulation 261/2004, which only guarantees compensation when a flight is cancelled or delayed for long periods. Passengers are not entitled to refunds due to unforeseen personal events, including medical emergencies or assaults.

Image: Ryanair