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

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

BAT Korea Launches Year-End Promotion for “glo hyper” as Demand for Odorless Heated Tobacco Rises

BAT Rothmans has announced a year-end promotion for its “glo hyper” heated tobacco series in response to growing consumer demand for odorless devices during the cold season. As indoor activity rises, more smokers are shifting to heated tobacco products that produce less smell and ash. Government data show HNB sales grew 8.3% last year, accounting for 18.4% of the tobacco market.

Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jinjia Venture Faces New Judicial Auction, Control Unchanged

Jinjia Group said its controlling shareholder, Jinjia Venture, will have part of its holdings auctioned by the Shenzhen Nanshan Court, involving 43.4 million shares. Earlier, the Shenzhen Intermediate Court announced another auction of 37.27 million shares. Together they represent 5.56% of total equity. Jinjia said the auctions will not affect company control.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Spain’s Vape Bill Clears EU Internal Market Review, Moves to Parliament

Spain’s draft reform of its tobacco law has reached a critical stage. 2Firsts recently confirmed with Spanish government sources that the bill has completed the EU’s internal market review process and was approved by the Council of Ministers in early September. The decision means that, despite objections from the European Commission and several member states, Spain maintained its original provisions and has now moved the draft into parliamentary debate.

Sep.30

Indonesian Police to Crack Down on Etomidate-Laced Vapes

Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) will continue to take enforcement action against users and distributors of etomidate-laced vape liquids, even though the substance is not yet classified as a narcotic. Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes, said etomidate is an anaesthetic drug regulated under Health Law No. 17 of 2023, but has not been listed as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.