Garuda Indonesia Affirms Vape Ban On Airplanes After Viral Incident

Garuda Indonesia (ANTARA) aircraft

JAKARTA - A Garuda Indonesia business class passenger was caught on camera while secretly smoking an e-cigarette or vape during the flight. The video footage of the incident spread widely and went viral on social media, again highlighting the ban on the use of vape on an airplane aimed at maintaining security and air quality in the cabin.

Responding to this incident, Garuda Indonesia President Director, Wamildan Tsani, said the incident occurred on the Jakarta-Medan flight on Thursday, March 27.

"Regarding the video circulating on social media regarding a passenger who uses electric cigarettes on an airplane, Garuda Indonesia ensures that firm action has been taken against the person concerned," said the Military Commander in his official statement.

According to him, cabin crew have carried out the applicable procedures in dealing with these violations.

"Passengers caught using e-cigarettes have been given verbal warnings twice, in accordance with the provisions related to passengers disturbing the order (disruptive passenger)," he explained regarding passengers using vape on the plane.

Furthermore, cabin crew immediately coordinated with pilots in command (PIC) to contact officers at Kualanamu International Airport, including the flight security team (Avsec), to ensure follow-up in accordance with applicable legal regulations at both national and international levels.

"Arriving at Kualanamu Airport, the passenger was immediately secured by the Avsec Team to undergo further investigation," he added.

The Military Commander explained, in accordance with the SE 12 DJPU 2024, passengers are allowed to bring an electric cigarette unit with certain conditions.

The device must be stored in a cabin pocket or trunk, in a battery condition released (off or cartridge removed), with a maximum capacity of 100Wh. In addition, the refill fluid carried cannot be more than 100ml and must be packaged in transparent plastic.

"Although it is allowed to carry, the use of electric cigarettes on board is still prohibited in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

Garuda Indonesia regretted the occurrence of this incident and emphasized its commitment to upholding aspects of flight safety, security, and comfort.

"Merokok, termasuk penggunaan vape, di dalam kabin pesawat merupakan pelanggaran serius terhadap regulasi penerbangan baik nasional maupun internasional. Oleh karena itu, kami tidak akan membultikan tindakan semacam ini dan akan menindak tegas pelanggarannya sesuai prosedur yang berlaku," jelas Wamildan.

He also said that Garuda Indonesia will continue to increase supervision and education for passengers regarding the prohibition of the use of e-cigarettes during flights for mutual safety.

"We urge all passengers to always comply with the regulations that have been set and work together in creating a safe and comfortable flight experience for all parties," he concluded.

Previously, uploads on the @cerowgapapa X account showed a man wearing a black shirt secretly smoking a vape while flying. The video was taken by another passenger who then shared it on social media.

"Garanuda business class passengers continue to grow up, can't it last two hours of flight? Sorry if caught, awokawok," wrote the description of the upload.

It is known, the man used the vape several times during the flight and tried to trick the cabin crew by closing their eyes and wearing ear buds, as if they were asleep. He also breathed smoke slowly through his nose to avoid attention.

This action shows that there are still passengers who ignore the rules regarding the vape ban on the plane, which can have an impact on flight comfort and safety.