Philippine Airline bans Chinese passenger for smoking on flight

Sep.23.2024
Philippine Airline bans Chinese passenger for smoking on flight
Chinese passenger banned from all Philippine Airlines flights for smoking on board flight to Hong Kong from Melbourne.

According to a report by Philstar on September 22, Philippine Airlines has permanently banned a Chinese business class passenger from Melbourne, Australia from boarding its flights. The passenger was found smoking on a flight to Hong Kong, China.


Upon arrival of flight PR 306 at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), local authorities and personnel from Philippine Airlines conducted an investigation on Chinese passenger Zhong Yongqin, aged 64.


Ma. Antoinette Juan, the cabin manager of Philippine Airlines, stated that they intervened when Zhong Yongqin attempted to light a cigarette.


Airport authorities later questioned how Zhong Yongqin managed to bring a lighter through security at Melbourne Airport. According to regulations from Philippine Airlines, Zhong Yongqin has been banned for life from boarding any of the company's international and domestic flights.


The spokesperson of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Eric Apolonio, pointed out that smoking on aircraft, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited under Republic Act No. 9497 or the CAAP Act and Republic Act No. 8749 or the Clean Air Act.


The passenger was allowed to leave Ninoy Aquino International Airport after purchasing another plane ticket to Hong Kong, China.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute a Section 337 investigation into certain disposable and other closed-system electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) devices and components thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-1486). The investigation stems from a complaint filed on January 13, 2026 by R.J. Reynolds entities based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, supplemented on February 3, 2026.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
Philip Morris Limited has launched LEVIA, a new range of zero-tobacco flavored nicotine sticks created for the IQOS ILUMA range. The product expands the company’s smoke-free portfolio in the UK and will initially be available in four variants, including Deep Mint and three capsule-based flavors. LEVIA has a recommended retail price of £5, or about $6.73, based on the European Central Bank’s April 28.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Rothmans Upgrades neo™ Boost for glo™ HYPER Series
BAT Rothmans Upgrades neo™ Boost for glo™ HYPER Series
BAT Rothmans said on April 13 that its heated tobacco brand glo™ will launch an upgraded version of neo™ Boost, the dedicated stick for the HYPER series. The company said the refresh focuses on strengthening freshness and cooling sensations to improve the overall user experience.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Vape Waste Falls 23% From 2024, but Recycling Group Says Fire Risks Remain High
UK Vape Waste Falls 23% From 2024, but Recycling Group Says Fire Risks Remain High
New research from UK recycling campaign group Material Focus says more than 6.3 million vapes and pods are still thrown away each week in the UK. The figure is down 23% from 8.2 million in 2024, which the group said suggests the June 2025 single-use vape ban has helped reduce waste, but it warned that the current level still represents a major waste of valuable materials and a significant fire risk.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the government would not ease its action against e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco and would continue strengthening regulation, legislation, and enforcement. Speaking at the launch of a new program to help young people quit vaping, she said reducing tobacco excise would not materially reduce profits in the illicit tobacco market.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands to Close Langenhagen Cigarette Factory by 2027
Imperial Brands to Close Langenhagen Cigarette Factory by 2027
Imperial Brands said it will gradually close the Reemtsma factory in Langenhagen near Hanover by 2027 after efforts to find a buyer failed to produce a sustainable agreement. The factory has produced cigarettes since 1971 and currently affects around 600 employees. The company said it had examined all realistic options over recent months but did not receive a binding offer from a potential buyer.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai