A 42-year-old passenger from Delhi was caught smoking a beedi inside the lavatory of an Akasa Air flight traveling from New Delhi to Goa. The incident took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, causing a major safety risk for fellow passengers and crew members. Upon landing at the Manohar International Airport in North Goa, airline authorities handed the individual over to the local police for further legal action.
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How was the passenger caught during the flight?
During the journey of Akasa Air flight QP-1625, cabin crew members detected a burning smell coming from the aircraft lavatory. When they inspected the area, they found the passenger, identified as Ashish from New Ashok Nagar, smoking a hand-rolled beedi. The crew also discovered that he was carrying a lighter, which is strictly prohibited inside the aircraft cabin. Authorities noted that lighting a fire in a pressurized cabin is a severe safety hazard that can lead to catastrophic emergencies.
What actions did the police and airline take?
Preetam Malvankar, the Security Manager for Akasa Air at Mopa Airport, filed a formal complaint against the accused. The Mopa Airport Police Station registered a case under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering personal safety and Section 3(1)(C) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act. Police official Viraj Sawant issued a notice to the passenger for further investigation. Akasa Air released a statement confirming that their crew followed all regulatory protocols and handed the individual to law enforcement immediately upon arrival.
What are the penalties for smoking on an airplane?
Smoking any substance, including cigarettes, beedis, or e-cigarettes, is completely banned on all commercial flights in India under the Indian Aircraft Rules of 1937. Passengers who break this rule face strict punishments from aviation authorities and law enforcement.
- Criminal Charges: The offender can face imprisonment or severe legal action depending on the level of threat caused during the flight.
- Heavy Fines: Similar violations regarding aviation safety can attract fines of up to ₹10 lakh.
- Travel Ban: The accused passenger can be added to the National No-Fly List, restricting them from flying on Indian airlines for a duration ranging from a few months to a lifetime ban.
