Philippine Airline bans Chinese passenger for smoking on flight

Sep.23.2024

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.

References:

[1] PAL bans passenger for smoking during flight

Also Read:

[1] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate

[2] DTI Initiates Legal Action Against Four E-Cigarette Brands Including RELX, Flare

[3] DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG Joint Operation in Tondo District

[4] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite

[5] Massive Smuggling Bust by Philippine Customs Authorities in Manila

[6] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau

[7] Philippine Customs Seizes 200 Marijuana E-cigarettes at Clark Port

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