A passenger travelling on a Delhi–Goa flight operated by Akasa Air was detained and handed over to law enforcement authorities after he was allegedly found smoking a beedi inside the aircraft’s washroom, officials confirmed on Sunday. The incident raised safety concerns, prompting immediate action by the airline crew.
According to police officials, the episode occurred on Saturday aboard flight QP1625 operating between Delhi and Goa. The accused passenger, identified as Ashish, a resident of Delhi, reportedly entered the aircraft lavatory during the journey and smoked a hand-rolled cigarette, which is strictly prohibited on commercial flights.
In its formal complaint, the airline stated that the passenger was also found carrying a lighter, an item considered a potential safety hazard in an aircraft environment. Possession and use of such items during a flight can pose fire risks and compromise onboard safety.
Police authorities noted that the passenger’s actions endangered the well-being of fellow travellers as well as crew members, as any form of smoking on an aircraft can trigger safety threats and violate aviation regulations.
The airline stated that its cabin crew followed established safety procedures after detecting the violation. Upon landing in Goa, the passenger was escorted off the aircraft and handed over to local authorities for further action.
A case has been registered against the accused at the Mopa Airport Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act.
Akasa Air stated that it is fully cooperating with investigating authorities as the probe continues. Officials confirmed that further investigation into the incident is currently underway.
