People refusing to stop vaping on aircraft is driving a surge in the number of passengers causing disruption on flights, new figures show. The rate of incidents involving unruly travellers rose by nearly a third last year compared with 2022, according to global airline body the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
Causes of air rage often involve passengers not complying with flight rules, verbally abusing crew, or being drunk. Iata reported that passengers using vapes – a type of e-cigarette – in an aircraft cabin or toilet is among the most common example of non-compliance with regulations.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has banned vaping on all commercial flights in the United Kingdom. The ban includes all electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, and personal vaporizers. This is because the vapor can set off the smoke detectors on the plane, which can cause unnecessary panic and confusion. Volating this rule can result in hefty fines or even prison. Most airports have banned vaping on the premises.
