Ryanair has lodged a formal complaint with the Spanish authorities after a police officer boarded one of their flights while secretly carrying a gun.

The airline has also lodged complaints with the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

They want the Spanish government to ban firearms including those held by police officers from all domestic flights.

A spokesman says the move endangered the safety of all 173 passengers on the flight.

Stephen McNamara from Ryaniar said “Passengers, including police officers or army personnel, are forbidden from bringing firearms onboard Irish-registered aircraft”.

“Last week, a Spanish policeman boarded a Ryanair flight carrying a firearm. Ryanair has banned the passenger from travelling with Ryanair again”. he added.

Article 8.10.1.1 of Ryanair terms and conditions states that “Guns, Firearms & Weapons; any object capable, or appearing capable, of discharging a projectile or causing injury, including all firearms” are among prohibited articles.