September 22, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines banned for life a Chinese business class passenger from Melbourne, Australia with a connecting flight to Hong Kong after she was caught by PAL pursuers smoking during the flight.
PAL and police authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 held upon arrival of PAL flight PR 306 the Chinese passenger identified as Zhong Yongqin, 64, traveling with her granddaughter.
PAL purser Ma. Antoinette Juan said they prevented Zhong from smoking after she lighted her cigarette using a butane lighter.
Authorities at the airport asked the Chinese passenger how she sneaked her lighter past security screeners at Melbourne airport.
Zhong was banned from boarding any PAL international and domestic flights for life.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said that under Republic Act 9497 or the CAAP Law and RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act, smoking inside an aircraft is prohibited, including vapes or electronic cigarettes.
The passenger was allowed to leave NAIA after she bought another airline ticket bound for Hong Kong.
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