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

Product | OLIVEBAR Launches RAZ PRO 85K, Combining Up to 85,000 Puffs With a Transparent Pod Design
Product | OLIVEBAR Launches RAZ PRO 85K, Combining Up to 85,000 Puffs With a Transparent Pod Design
OLIVEBAR has introduced the RAZ PRO 85K disposable vape, featuring up to 85,000 puffs, a transparent e-liquid pod, and a Mega HD display. As competition in the ultra-high-puff disposable segment continues to intensify, the new device reflects an industry shift from simply increasing puff counts toward enhancing visual interaction and user experience.
Jul.03
Putin Signs Russia’s Tobacco and Nicotine Product Licensing Law, Banning Unlicensed Sales From 2027
Putin Signs Russia’s Tobacco and Nicotine Product Licensing Law, Banning Unlicensed Sales From 2027
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law introducing mandatory licensing for wholesale and retail trade in tobacco and nicotine-containing products, with the system taking effect on October 1, 2026, and unlicensed operations banned from March 1, 2027, while vape and e-liquid retail may also face uncertainty from temporary regional sales-ban powers.
Jul.01
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
As InterTabac 2026 approaches, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, tells 2Firsts that global tobacco trade fairs are evolving beyond product display. With new nicotine categories, shifting regulation and more complex supply chains reshaping the industry, InterTabac is positioning itself as a platform for market insight, regulatory discussion and global business connection.
Special Report
Jul.02
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
According to Reuters, major tobacco companies may emerge as key beneficiaries after the U.S. FDA loosened regulations on vaping and nicotine pouch products, a shift that has sparked debate over public health risks.
Industry Insight
May.26
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
According to Reuters, Australia’s state of Victoria introduced legislation to give police and the state tobacco licensing regulator stronger powers to shut businesses selling illegal tobacco, with non-compliant operators facing fines of more than A$2.4 million and up to 20 years in prison.
Jun.05
Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Philip Morris International (PMI) has officially introduced the VEEV One Plus, the next-generation device in its closed-pod vaping lineup. The product is now featured on the official VEEV website in Portugal, bringing hardware upgrades including a new dual-pod storage system, a larger battery, and an updated device design while maintaining compatibility with existing VEEV One pods.
Jul.02