A passenger aboard a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Shanghai was taken away by local authorities for questioning after allegedly smoking in the aircraft’s lavatory.
The incident happened on Singapore Airlines flight SQ836 on Friday, August 21, shortly before the aircraft landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport.
According to Singapore Airlines, the airline was aware of the incident and confirmed that the passenger had smoked in a lavatory during the flight.
“Smoking, including vaping and the use of e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on all SIA and Scoot flights,” the airline said.
Singapore Airlines also stated that passengers caught smoking or vaping onboard will be banned from travelling on both Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights.
A fellow passenger described being shocked when a flight attendant suddenly approached a passenger seated nearby shortly before landing and asked them to hand over their cigarettes for safekeeping.
After the aircraft landed, the cabin crew immediately contacted airport authorities. Passengers were reportedly instructed to remain seated while authorities boarded the aircraft.
The witness said that after leaving the plane, they saw cigarette butts wrapped in a napkin being kept as evidence, while the passenger involved was prevented from leaving.
The incident highlights why smoking is strictly prohibited onboard commercial aircraft. Even when confined to a lavatory, smoke can trigger safety concerns and require the crew to respond immediately.
Smoking or vaping onboard an aircraft can have serious consequences — including being banned from future flights and facing action from authorities.
