Authorities in the Balearic Islands, home to the party resorts of Ibiza and Mallorca, have asked Spain and the European Union to ban alcohol on flights and in airports as they battle “anti-social tourism”.

The plea comes after recent, much-publicised reports of drunken brawls or alcohol-fuelled sexual antics on flights to an archipelago that attracts millions of visitors every year – with many flocking to resorts notorious for their sex and booze excess.

“We ask the central government and the European commission to ban the consumption of alcoholic drinks on flights and in airports,” said Pilar Carbonell, in charge of tourism for the local government of the Balearic Islands.

In a statement, she said authorities were asking that these measures be taken “to guarantee security ... and tackle anti-social tourism.”

The statement did not say if the local authorities were asking for alcohol to be banned on all EU flights, or only those going to the Balearic Islands.

“The aim of the measure is to improve passenger security and also that of security forces in planes and airports in our islands, who are often faced with drunk passengers,” it said.

The Balearic Islands have long been a magnet for visitors looking for sun and fun on a cheap budget, but some of its resorts have now become notorious for drink and drug binges which have at times proved deadly.

But tourists sometimes get the party started before they even get to the resorts, while still on the plane.

In May, Spain’s Guardia Civil police force had to board a Ryanair flight in Palma to drag away three drunk men who had brawled all the way from Manchester in the UK, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The newspaper published a video of the police agents marching on to the plane to applause from the rest of the passengers.

Other flights have had to be diverted because of rowdy passengers.