The Ryanair passenger, a 21-year-old man, was removed from the flight destined for Spain after he was accused of committing an aviation offence, causing a two-hour delay
05:55, 05 Aug 2025Updated 05:55, 05 Aug 2025
Police were called to the aircraft after an alarm was allegedly set off by a passenger(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
A Ryanair passenger who allegedly vaped in the plane toilet was marched off a plane by six police officers.
The 21-year-old man caused a two-hour delay to his flight after it is said he puffed on a vape in the loo before the plane was due to take off at Edinburgh Airport. Police stormed the aircraft and detained the young man on suspicion of breaching aviation laws.
Mr Walker said the man on his flight was bundled into a police van amid their delay. Authorities have confirmed the 21-year-old suspect has been charged in relation to an aviation offence.
Police stormed the flight(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
Speaking yesterday about the footage, shot on July 3, Mr Walker said: “A young lad in a group happened to set the alarm off for apparently vaping.
“The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane. The young lad waited for over six police officers to come on board.
“He was taken off, he was very calm, didn’t argue or anything, no drama. We then happened to bump into him on Benidorm’s famous strip and he told us he just got a caution and was banned from Ryanair.”
A representative for Police Scotland said: “Around 7.55 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 were called to an aircraft at Edinburgh Airport. Officers attended, and a 21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Many holiday destinations have serious laws on vaping where travellers could be fined or worse jailed on holiday, warnings have been issued to travellers to ensure they know the rules before they fly
Vaping laws around the world that you must be aware of(Image: Getty Images)
These are the holiday hotspots where vapes can land you in serious trouble. Travellers may be fined, detained or even jailed for taking or using their vapes in these countries. The UK have cracked down on their own vaping laws and these popular holiday destinations also have their own that must be taken seriously.
Experts at Vape Ease UK have warned British travellers to check laws before flying as there are many destinations where travellers could be in for a shock and serious action has been taken on vaping. From Thailand and India’s jail time to Mexico and Singapore bans, tourists have been issued serious warnings. It comes after a flight attendant urges tourists to always leave a shoe in their hotel room safe.
Turkey
More than 4.4 million Brits visited Turkey in the last year and due to its popularity it’s necessary to know the vaping laws. The country bans the sale of vapes, whilst using them is allowed only in certain areas like smoking zones. Travellers can only bring one device, spare pods or refill bottles that are no greater than 30ml in volume or up to 10 disposable vapes per person.
The country bans the sale of vapes(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You must also be 19 years old to vape in Turkey. According to globaltobaccocontrol.org, e-cigarettes and e-liquids are also classed as tobacco products so all the restrictions applied to smoking also apply to vaping.
India
Vaping in India has been banned since 2019 when they introduced the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) which banned everything to do with electronic nicotine products – production, sales, imports, exports, transport, storage and advertisement. E-cigarettes cover all types: refillable vapes, disposable vapes, heat-not-burn (HnB) products, and E-hookahs.
Travellers can face fines, imprisonment or both if caught doing any of the above. First time offenders who violate the ban could face up to one year in prison, or a fine of £1000 or both. For subsequent offences, this would increase to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of £5000.
Denmark
There are some regulations to vaping in Denmark
Whilst vaping in Denmark is legal there are certain rules and restrictions that apply: such as the age limit of 18 years old where you can purchase and use vapes. Flavoured E-liquids are banned which came into effect in April 2021, only tobacco-flavoured ones are allowed. Vaping is allowed in public places but not in all areas such as on public transport, schools and childcare facilities, and certain indoor spaces like bars and restaurants may have their own policies so you must check.
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Vaping is legal in the UAE but must meet the standards set by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA). Like most countries you must be at least 18 to purchase a vape in the UAE. There are designated areas where people can vape. If these rules are not followed then penalties can include a minimum imprisonment of one year for serious offences and a fine ranging from £20 000 to £200 000.
Australia
Australia’s approach to vaping is a medical one as of July 2024, all vaping products can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of assisting those that are trying to quit smoking or manage their nicotine. From March 2024, travellers entering the country can only bring a small quantity of vapes with them. The vapes must only be for the traveller’s treatment or someone they are caring for. The maximum allowed is 2 vapes in total, 20 vape accessories and 200ml of vape substance liquid.
Mexico
The sale of vapes in Mexico is generally banned, and there are certain public places where a vape is not allowed in: Indoor public spaces (bars, restaurants, shops and government buildings), workplaces and public transport. When travelling they advise, to pack it in your checked luggage, carry a small amount of e-liquid and if questioned by customs officials to answer any questions about your vape and its intended use.
Thailand
Thailand have some of the strictest rules overall as e-cigarettes are illegal since 2014. Anyone found breaking this law could be arrested and face jail time of up to 10 years or fined up to £700. Travellers are advised not to bring any e-cigarettes with them or any item associated with them. Travellers should be aware of the ban beforehand as tourists in the past have been arrested before having not known.
Hong Kong
There are some laws in place for vaping in Hong Kong(Image: UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Hong Kong state imports, manufacture, and sale of vapes have been banned since 2022 but not the use of it, however laws are set to change by early to mid 2026. Breaking these laws will result in heavy fines of up to £200 000.
Japan
Japan vaping laws are heavily regulated, nicotine e-liquids are classified as medicinal products and travellers can only bring up to 120ml of e-liquid. Non -nicotine vapes are allowed and do not face restrictions. Vaping in public spaces is strictly banned unless in a designated smoking zone. They have strict penalties in place for those who break these rules with heavy fines or imprisonment.
Singapore
Singapore have a zero-tolerance policy with vaping that includes importing, selling or using e-cigarettes as illegal. You can face fines of up to £2300, legal trouble and confiscations at customs if seen with a vape.
A spokesperson from Vape Ease UK warned travellers that the “last thing anyone wants is to be detained or fined on holiday. In places like Thailand and Hong Kong, the laws are shockingly strict. When in doubt – leave your vape behind.” It is not worth the risk bringing your vape on holiday.
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Brits who are planning to vape on holiday should check the rules before they travel or they could risk landing themselves in prison for breaking the law
Check the rules on vaping before you head abroad (Image: Getty Images)
Brits have been warned that vaping in a popular holiday hotspot could actually land them in prison.
UK travellers heading on Thailand holidays should take note that E-cigarettes are illegal across the whole country, with hefty fines and potential prison sentences for anyone caught using them.
That includes packing them in your suitcase, as it’s illegal to bring e-cigarettes and vape pens into Thailand too. Airport officials will often check passengers’ luggage and confiscate these devices, and you could land yourself in hot water if you’re found with them in your bags, such as an on-the-spot fine or even being arrested.
It’s not just vaping either; it’s illegal to smoke in public across Thailand with fines of up to 5000 baht (approximately £115) being handed out to those who flout the law. The ban has been in place since 2014, when the Thai government introduced the rules in a bid to improve people’s health.
Thailand has strict rules around smoking and vaping(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The UK government has already warned Brits of the strict rules. The Foreign Office explains in its Thailand travel advice: “It’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. E-cigarettes are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them.”
It’s not just Thailand that has strict rules around vaping. In Singapore, anyone found possessing or using a vape could be fined up to £1,150.
Meanwhile in Mexico the sale of vapes is generally banned. Holidaymakers have been warned that if they have the devices in their luggage and are stopped by customs officials, they may be asked about the vape and its intended use, with some reports that these devices are often confiscated before travellers have even left the airport.
In Europe, countries such as France and Belgium already have a ban on disposable vapes in place. Meanwhile in Spain, vaping on beaches in Barcelona, Benidorm could mean fines of up to €750 (£650). Over in the Balearic Islands, there are a number of smoke-free beaches as visitors are urged not to litter the sands with cigarette butts.
There could be more rules to follow. Last year, the Canary Islands’ authorities began to consider proposals that would ban smoking on outdoor bar and restaurant terraces on the holiday islands, as well as a ban at bus stop shelters, outdoor sports areas and near entrances to buildings such as schools and hospitals. At the moment, smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and workplaces.
You should also take note of the UK’s own laws when you head home. As of June 1, 2025, the UK government has banned disposable vapes. Anyone who is found with a single-use vape could find it gets confiscated at the border.
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