James Blunt is about to have a very awkward introduction at airport check-in.

The singer behind “You’re Beautiful” — the song that defined millennial heartbreak playlists — has just scored his first UK No. 1 album in 19 years. And thanks to a promise he made before the chart was announced, he may now have to legally become “Ryan Air.”

Blunt’s eighth studio album, Airplane Mode, debuted at No. 1 on the Official UK Albums Chart dated Nov. 13, 2026, according to Billboard. It is his third UK chart-topping album — and his first since All the Lost Souls in 2007, nearly 20 years ago.

The album was released Nov. 6, 2026, and Blunt’s recent appearance on BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors brought renewed attention ahead of the release. But the chart result is the real news — and it comes with a name-change bet.

Before the chart results were announced, Blunt told fans he would legally change his name to “Ryan Air” if the album hit No. 1. Now that it has, the ball is very much in his court — or, more accurately, in his passport office.

This is not the first time Blunt has put his name on the line. He made a similar pledge in 2024 — to become “Blunty McBluntface” if a Back to Bedlam reissue topped the chart. It peaked at No. 7, so he got to keep his name that time.

Royal Blood debuted at No. 2 with Dead Company, while Olivia Rodrigo was third.

So, will James Blunt really become Ryan Air? He made the promise, the album delivered, and the chart does not lie. Stay tuned — and maybe start practicing saying it with a straight face.

Photo: Warner Music New Zealand via Wikimedia Commons.