Mumbai Passenger Arrested for Smoking on Flight

Mumbai: A 25-year-old passenger was arrested at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday, September 27, for smoking in the lavatory of a flight, causing panic among fellow passengers, police said.

The incident occurred on a Phuket-Mumbai flight on Friday when smoke was seen coming from the aircraft lavatory. The man, identified as Bhavya Gautam Jain, a resident of Napeansea Road in South Mumbai, reportedly lit a cigarette inside the plane, according to officials.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Authorities took Jain into custody upon arrival at the airport. He was arrested under relevant sections of the Aircraft Act, which strictly prohibits smoking on all passenger flights.

This is not the first such incident. Last month, a 28-year-old passenger, Sheikh Mohammed from Thanjavur, was detained after allegedly smoking in the lavatory on an IndiGo flight from Kuwait to Chennai. Passengers noticed the smoke, alerted cabin crew, and the matter was reported to Chennai Air Traffic Control. Mohammed was handed over to police after landing.

Officials emphasized that smoking inside aircraft lavatories is a serious offense under India’s aviation rules and can lead to strict legal action.

Bhavya Gautam Jain remains in police custody as investigations continue. The authorities have assured strict enforcement of aviation safety rules.