A 25-year-old Dutch tourist was arrested at Kos Airport after being caught smoking an electronic cigarette during a Transavia flight. The incident occurred on the flight to the Greek island, a Transavia spokesperson confirmed.
The man was repeatedly warned to stop smoking. A Transavia spokesperson stressed that smoking on board, including electronic cigarettes, is strictly prohibited as it endangers the safety of passengers. After landing in Kos, the man was handed over to the local authorities.
Smoking cigarettes, including electronic variants, has been banned on aircraft since the 1990s to avoid safety risks such as fire hazards. A Transavia spokesman explained that the smoke alarm could go off in such cases, which is dangerous and therefore remains strictly prohibited. The incident on the flight to Kos is rare. The Transavia spokesman explained that such reports are unusual as most passengers know that smoking is not allowed on board. The crew is trained to react quickly and handle such situations.
Smoking on board can lead to fines and criminal prosecution. In many countries, including Greece, violations can be punished with high fines. It is currently unclear whether the Dutch tourist will have to pay such a fine. He has since been released. The Greek police on Kos could not be reached for comment.