Goa, India: A passenger has been charged after allegedly smoking a beedi (hand-rolled cigarette) inside the lavatory of an Akasa Air flight travelling from Delhi to Goa, raising serious safety concerns during the flight. Authorities registered a case following the aircraft’s arrival at Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa), officials said.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2026, on Akasa Air flight QP1625 operating from Delhi to Goa. According to police and airline officials, the passenger identified as Ashish, a resident of Delhi allegedly went to the aircraft lavatory during the flight and smoked a beedi, a hand-rolled tobacco cigarette.
Airline authorities later reported that the passenger was also found carrying a lighter, which investigators said could pose a potential fire hazard inside an aircraft cabin. Officials noted that the act endangered the safety of passengers and crew members, as smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited onboard commercial flights.
Crew members detected the violation during the flight and followed established safety procedures. In a statement, Akasa Air confirmed the incident, stating:
“A passenger travelling on Akasa Air flight QP1625 from Delhi to Goa on March 7 was found smoking in the aircraft lavatory.”
The airline said its crew adhered to all regulatory and safety protocols and handed the passenger over to authorities immediately after the aircraft landed in Goa. The carrier also confirmed it is cooperating fully with investigators.
Following the complaint, Mopa Airport Police registered a case against the passenger under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for acts endangering life or personal safety. Authorities also invoked Section 3(1)(C) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, which addresses actions that threaten aviation safety.
Police said the accused has been served a notice under the relevant provisions of the law, and further investigation into the incident is underway.
