A passenger travelling on an Akasa Air flight from Delhi to Goa was booked by police after allegedly smoking a beedi inside the aircraft’s washroom during the journey. The incident raised serious safety concerns as smoking on commercial flights is strictly prohibited under aviation safety regulations.
According to officials, the accused identified as Ashish, a resident of Delhi was travelling on flight QP1625 when he allegedly lit a beedi inside the aircraft lavatory. The act triggered alarm among the crew, who immediately followed safety procedures after discovering the violation.
The passenger was later handed over to authorities after the plane landed in Goa.
Airline crew followed safety protocols
In a statement, Akasa Air confirmed that its cabin crew acted promptly after detecting the incident during the flight. The airline said staff members adhered to all mandatory safety protocols to ensure the security of passengers and the aircraft.
The airline also noted that the passenger was found carrying a lighter, which posed a potential risk because any open flame or smoking material could endanger an aircraft cabin.
Upon arrival at Goa’s Manohar International Airport, the individual was handed over to airport authorities for further action.
Police register case under aviation laws
Following a complaint filed by the airline, the Goa Police registered a case against the passenger for violating aviation safety regulations. Authorities said the act endangered fellow passengers and crew members during the flight.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which deal with offences that threaten the safety of aircraft and air travellers.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken depending on the findings of the inquiry.
Why smoking on flights is a serious offence
Smoking on commercial aircraft has been banned worldwide due to the significant safety hazards it poses. Aircraft cabins are highly controlled environments, and even a small flame can lead to dangerous situations, including fire hazards or triggering smoke detectors.
Most aircraft lavatories are equipped with smoke detectors designed to alert the crew immediately if smoke is detected. Aviation authorities treat such incidents seriously because they can threaten the safety of everyone on board.
In India, aviation laws impose strict penalties on passengers who violate these rules. Offenders may face fines, criminal charges, or even restrictions on future travel depending on the severity of the incident.
Rising concern over in-flight misconduct
The latest incident highlights growing concerns about passenger misconduct on flights. Over the past few years, airlines in India have reported several cases of unruly behaviour ranging from smoking and verbal abuse to physical altercations.
Aviation authorities and airlines have repeatedly warned travellers that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Strict enforcement of safety rules is considered essential to maintain order and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
Akasa Air has stated that it will continue cooperating with authorities as the investigation into the incident proceeds.