Mid-Air Safety Breach: Passenger Arrested For Smoking ‘Beedi’ On Delhi-Goa Akasa Air Flight

MOPA, GOA — A 30-year-old passenger was arrested on Sunday, March 8, 2026, following a dangerous safety violation aboard an Akasa Air flight from Delhi to Goa. The individual, identified as Ashish, allegedly smoked a traditional ‘beedi’ inside the aircraft’s lavatory during the flight, triggering a swift response from the cabin crew and local law enforcement.

The incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, aboard flight QP1625, which connects the national capital to the coastal state.

1. The Safety Breach

The violation was discovered mid-flight when cabin crew detected the smell of smoke emanating from the lavatory.

• The Offense: Upon investigation, the passenger was caught smoking a ‘beedi’. Shockingly, he was also found to be in possession of a lighter, raising serious questions about security screening at the departure airport in Delhi.
• Risk Factor: Police officials emphasized that smoking in a pressurized cabin and carrying flammable objects poses a “grave risk” to the structural safety of the aircraft and the lives of all passengers on board.

2. Legal Action and Charges

Following the flight’s landing at the newly inaugurated Manohar International Airport (Mopa), the passenger was immediately handed over to the airport police.

• FIR Registered: A case has been registered at the Mopa Airport Police Station.
• Specific Laws: The accused has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act. These charges carry significant penalties, including potential prison time and being placed on the ‘No-Fly’ list.
• Investigation: Authorities are currently investigating how the passenger managed to bypass security checks with a lighter.

3. Akasa Air Response

The airline issued a formal statement on Sunday confirming their adherence to strict regulatory procedures.

“A passenger travelling on flight QP1625 from Delhi to Goa on March 7 was found smoking in the aircraft lavatory. Our crew followed the required protocols and handed over the individual to the appropriate authorities upon arrival. We are extending full cooperation to the police.” — Akasa Air Spokesperson