Ryanair drops Afrikaans test despite major problem with false SA passports

Europe’s largest low-cost airline had imposed the measure to prevent the use of fraudulent passports, but drew criticism as the language is only spoken by a minority of the South African population. The government said it was “taken aback” by the policy, calling it a “backward profiling system.”

Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary agreed to scrap the test, though told reporters in Brussels there is a major problem with false South African passports on a route between Turkey and Ireland, according to Reuters. A spokesman confirmed the comments were accurate.