BELFAST — An easyJet flight bound for Spain was delayed on Sunday morning after a passenger was denied boarding for refusing to stop vaping on the airfield ramp.
Flight U23011 was preparing for departure from Belfast International Airport to Palma de Mallorca on Sunday, October 4, 2026, when airport staff spotted a passenger vaping while walking across the ramp toward the aircraft.
When crew members instructed the individual to stop and discard the e-cigarette in a bin, the passenger refused to comply and continued vaping on the tarmac. Citing safety protocols and strict aviation regulations regarding vaping in non-designated airfield areas, the flight crew exercised their authority to deny the passenger entry to the aircraft.
The aircraft involved, an Airbus A320 registered as G-UZLK, eventually pushed back and departed Belfast at 05:40 UTC. It touched down at Palma de Mallorca Airport at 08:20 UTC, approximately 20 minutes behind schedule as a direct result of the disturbance and offboarding process.
Under airline policy and international civil aviation rules, vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited on aircraft ramps, jet bridges, and on board all commercial flights. Airline representatives emphasize that non-compliance on the tarmac presents safety hazards and can lead to immediate denial of travel or law enforcement involvement upon arrival.
