- A passenger on Singapore Airlines flight SQ836 was detained for questioning in Shanghai after allegedly smoking in the lavatory during the nearly five-hour Singapore–Shanghai journey.
- Cabin crew detected smoke during the flight and approached the passenger, asking for the surrender of cigarettes.
- After about 5 minutes of discussion, the passenger handed over the cigarettes, which were collected in a plastic bag.
- Crew members contacted airport authorities before the aircraft reached Shanghai, and upon arrival, passengers were instructed to remain seated.
- Police boarded the aircraft after it landed and took the passenger away for questioning, receiving two cigarette butts as evidence.
- Singapore Airlines confirms that smoking, vaping, and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited across its flights.
- Violators of the smoking policy can face a travel ban from both Singapore Airlines and Scoot.
- Under Singapore regulations, smoking on a Singapore-registered aircraft can carry a fine of up to S$5,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both if convicted.
A passenger on Singapore Airlines flight SQ836 was detained in Shanghai after allegedly smoking in the lavatory during the flight from Singapore. The incident occurred on August 21, 2026, prompting local authorities to board the aircraft upon landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.1
According to reports, the cabin crew detected smoke during the flight and approached the passenger, who was asked to surrender his cigarettes and lighter. After several minutes of discussion, the passenger complied, handing over his items, which were secured by the crew.2
The airline confirmed that smoking is strictly prohibited on its flights, stating, “Passengers caught violating the rule can face a travel ban from both Singapore Airlines and Scoot.” Under Singapore regulations, violations can lead to fines of up to S$5,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months.8
Witnesses reported that after landing, passengers were instructed to remain seated while authorities boarded the plane. The offending passenger was taken away for questioning, while evidence, including cigarette butts wrapped in a napkin, was handed over to police.5
A fellow passenger noted that the punishment seemed “somewhat lenient”, as the individual would be banned from flying for a year. The incident highlights the airline's commitment to maintaining a smoke-free environment on its flights.
“The passenger was handed a white slip of paper, likely a violation notice, after crew collected cigarettes in a clear plastic bag. Under Singapore regulations, smoking on a Singapore-registered aircraft can carry a fine of up to S$5,000 and up to 12 months in prison.”
Aviation A2Z
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