Ryanair warned about move to allow mobile phone use

Aviation experts are warning Ryanair that its proposals to allow the use of mobile phones on flights could seriously compromise passenger safety.

The Irish airline announced yesterday that it would be making all its Boeing 737 aircraft compatible with mobile phones from the middle of next year.

Technology exists that makes it safe to use mobiles above 10,000 feet, but experts say allowing such use could lead to instances where some passengers switch on their phones before this height is reached.

Aviation journalist Gerry Byrne said today that research in the US found many passengers use their mobiles on flights even though they are not supposed to be doing so.