First-time Flyer Smokes Beedi Mid-Air on Akasa Air Flight, Handed Over To Cops In Bengaluru

A 56-year-old man was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru after being caught smoking a bidi during a flight bound for Bengaluru on Akasa Air. Upon arrival at the airport, the airline's duty manager promptly filed a complaint with the KIA police, leading to the arrest of the passenger. He was charged with endangering the lives of fellow passengers, according to reports.

The man, identified as Praveen Kumar from Rajasthan's Marwar region, had boarded the flight in Ahmedabad. The airline's crew members discovered him smoking in the aircraft's restroom.

Following the incident, Kumar was transferred to Bengaluru central jail. During his interaction with the police, he disclosed that this was his first-ever flight and he was unaware of the regulations.

It is essential to note that smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on flights under the Indian Aircraft Rules, 1937 in India. The accused informed the police, as reported by the Times of India, that he frequently travels by train and smokes in the restrooms. Mistakenly assuming he could do the same on the plane, he decided to smoke a bidi.

This incident comes after two individuals were previously arrested earlier this year for lighting a cigarette on an aircraft, highlighting the importance of adhering to aviation safety regulations.