Cardiff Blues have sacked Gavin Henson after an inquiry into his alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour on a Saturday flight from Glasgow to Cardiff.
"Gavin admitted himself that his behaviour was totally unacceptable," said chief executive Richard Holland.
"The immediate termination of his contract sends out a clear message that behaviour like that will not be tolerated at the Blues."
Airline Flybe has also banned Henson from flying with them for six months.
A Blues statement read: "Following a management meeting on Monday morning Cardiff Blues can confirm that Gavin Henson has been dismissed with immediate effect."
The decision cuts the 30-year-old's stint with Cardiff four weeks short of its eight-month term and leaves the player unemployed.
Henson was a wing replacement in the 31-3 defeat by Glasgow on Friday.
He was suspended on Saturday and issued a public apology the following day.
Holland added: "The Cardiff Blues management have discussed the matter at length but have acted swiftly since the incident occurred on Saturday morning.
"We have a duty to our supporters and sponsors to protect the good name of Cardiff Blues and those associated with our brand.
"Gavin Henson is obviously a talented rugby player and it's unfortunate that his career at the Blues has ended this way.
"However, we would like to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck with his future career."
A spokesman for Flybe said: "The safety of our passengers and staff is Flybe's number one priority and as such the airline has a zero tolerance attitude to unruly behaviour on board our aircraft.
"We are grateful for Mr Henson's apology following Saturday's flight from Glasgow to Cardiff.
"However, in line with company policy, we have written to him, informing him that he will be banned from Flybe services for a period of six months."
A two-time Grand Slam winner with Wales, Henson has struggled to cement a regular place in club rugby since injuring his ankle in March 2009 and taking 18 months of unpaid leave from Ospreys five months later.
He joined Saracens in October 2010, but played only four games for the Premiership side before asking for his contract to be terminated to allow him to join Toulon.
Henson scored a try in a win over Stade Francais on his debut, and was briefly suspended for a breach of the club's disciplinary code before the punishment was lifted following an internal inquiry .
Since moving back to Wales, he has played eight matches and is yet to score a try.
His last international appearance was in Wales' 19-9 victory over England at the Millennium Stadium in August, but a wrist injury sustained in the game ended his hopes of playing in the World Cup.