Taoyuan: A 58-year-old British man is under investigation for allegedly using an electronic cigarette during a China Airlines flight from the U.K. to Taiwan. The incident, reported by Taiwan's Aviation Police Bureau (APB) on Wednesday, has raised concerns over in-flight safety and compliance with aviation regulations.

According to Focus Taiwan, the APB squad leader, Hsu Keng-hsin, stated that the bureau was alerted by China Airlines at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Following the report, officers questioned the passenger and referred the case to the Criminal Investigation Police Brigade for potential violations of the Civil Aviation Act. An electronic cigarette was confiscated during the investigation.

In a written statement, China Airlines confirmed that the incident took place on flight CI082 from London on March 2. The airline emphasized that crew members adhered to standard operating procedures and informed the APB upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport. China Airlines reiterated its commitment to flight safety and zero tolerance for "irrational behavior," while reminding passengers that electronic cigarettes are illegal in Taiwan.

A social media post on Threads claimed that the same non-Taiwanese passenger caused disturbances shortly after takeoff, including allegations of sexual harassment towards flight attendants. The post described inappropriate touching and an instance where the passenger openly smoked an electronic cigarette.

Hsu noted that the APB has not received any formal complaints from China Airlines regarding the passenger's alleged intoxication or sexual harassment. He assured that the case would be processed according to legal protocols if a formal complaint is lodged.