BIZ BUZZ: A not-so-gentle reminder: No smoking, no vaping in planes
There are enough signs clearly saying that smoking and vaping are prohibited inside airplanes.
And yet, some stubborn passengers still willfully ignore the warning signs.
This prompted AirAsia Philippines to issue a strong reminder to all passengers that, again, vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited onboard all its flights.
AirAsia disclosed that despite numerous advisories and public announcements proactively initiated by the airline, from January to August 2025, the airline’s security department caught 10 guests vaping midflight, some inside lavatories that triggered smoke detectors while others openly puffed away in their seats.
AirAsia reminds guests that such acts violate Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act) and Republic Act No. 11900 (Vape Regulation Act), which both ban vaping in public transport, including aircraft, and are likewise strictly banned under AirAsia Philippines’ published airline policies.
Guests found vaping face immediate referral to airport police upon arrival at the destination, with blotter entry, and possible fine up to P5,000 depending on the offense, potential charges under the Civil Aviation Authority Act (RA 9497) if safety is compromised, and administrative sanctions from the airline that may include a lifetime ban from all AirAsia Philippines flights.
“At AirAsia, every flight is anchored on safety, ensuring our guests will get to their destination safely and conveniently. Triggering a smoke detector can cause panic, unnecessary inconvenience and disrupt operations. Also, malfunctioning vaping devices may pose risk inside the cabin. While our team is highly trained in dealing with various situations on ground and in flight, we count on our guests’ cooperation and commitment in making sure safety is never compromised,” said AirAsia Philippines head of communications and corporate affairs, first officer Steve F. Dailisan.
So please, just stop smoking. Or at least wait until you get off the plane.
