Airlines Imposing Harsh Penalties on Smokers, Vapers on Flights

AirAsia Philippines’ Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs Capt. Steve Dailisan

Airlines Imposing Harsh Penalties on Smokers, Vapers on Flights

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | August 18, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Airlines are adopting a strict stance against smoking and vaping during flights, with penalties that include a lifetime ban on air travel and imprisonment.

The initiative, led by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in collaboration with AirAsia Philippines, reinforces existing legislation – the Tobacco Regulation Act (RA 9211) and the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900), which already prohibit smoking and vaping on all aircraft operating in the country.

“In-flight smoking or vaping creates a serious fire risk in the confined and pressurized atmosphere of an aircraft,” said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.

AirAsia Philippines reported a troubling 10 incidents of vaping from January to August.

Both CAAP and AirAsia announced that passengers caught smoking on an aircraft face the following:

• Immediate Detention: Offenders will be detained immediately upon landing.

• Heavy Fine: Fines may reach up to ₱5,000 (around $90), with additional legal repercussions possible under the Civil Aviation Authority Act (RA 9497) if flight safety is compromised.

• Lifetime Ban: Airlines, especially AirAsia, reserve the right to permanently prohibit offenders from flying with them in the future.

• No-Fly List Inclusion: The CAAP warns that violators may find themselves on a no-fly list, effectively preventing them from flying again.

• Compensation Forfeiture: Passengers removed from a flight for smoking will lose any compensation for denied boarding they might have been eligible for.

“Safety is our top priority at AirAsia,” said Steve Dailisan, head of Communications and Corporate Affairs.

“We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for all passengers and crew. Vaping onboard is a serious infraction with potentially grave consequences.”

To tackle the issue, airlines are implementing a three-pronged strategy. These are:

• Enhanced Awareness: Passengers receive clear notifications on boarding passes, through cabin crew announcements, and via visible signage throughout the aircraft.

• Advanced Detection: Aircraft lavatories are being fitted with sensitive, tamper-proof smoke detectors to quickly identify violations.

• Increased Vigilance: Cabin crew members are trained to closely observe passenger behavior and intervene promptly when necessary.

The CAAP and AirAsia are urging passengers to follow cabin crew instructions, pay close attention to in-flight safety demonstrations, and heed all “No Smoking” signs.

Passengers are also encouraged to report any violations to flight attendants or the Aviation Security Group without delay.

The measures aim to deter irresponsible behavior and ensure a safe flying experience for everyone, an airport official said.