The key facts

  • The Surgut — Tashkent flight returned to the stand due to smoking on board
  • Two protocols were drawn up against the 18-year-old passenger, and the airline refused him further travel
  • The flight delay was about 20 minutes

What happened on board

The aircraft on the Surgut — Tashkent flight returned to the stand after a passenger lit up on board. According to the transport directorate of the MVD for the Ural Federal District, an 18-year-old shift worker from a nearby foreign country smoked an e-cigarette at his seat during taxiing. Flight attendants reported the incident to the commander, who decided to return the aircraft to the stand.

Consequences for the violator and the flight

The carrier refused the violator further travel. Police drew up two protocols — for smoking on board and for failure to comply with the commander's orders. The passenger himself explained that he was returning home after a work shift and did not know about the ban on e-cigarettes. Because of the incident, the flight was delayed by about 20 minutes.

Similar cases and liability

Transport police reminded that if rules are violated, an airline may refuse a passenger further carriage and require compensation for damage and losses caused. Earlier, other similar incidents were reported: a passenger on a Moscow — Novosibirsk flight smoked in the aircraft lavatory and was detained after landing at Tolmachevo Airport, and a criminal case was opened against a rowdy woman who smoked on a plane.