Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
This is the moment a business class passenger lights up a ciggie and starts puffing away, later claiming the smell of burning tobacco relieves the pain of her recently broken leg.
Irina Tammiruusu, a 52-year-old travel agency owner, was filmed smoking a cigarette on a flight from Bodrum in Turkey to the Russian capital Moscow.
According to the news site Life, she recently broke her leg and later claimed the ciggie fumes help relieve the pain she still suffers.
She was filmed lighting up by a stunned passenger in business class who posted the footage on the ‘Overheard by Aeroflot’ group on the Russian social network VK.
Members of the social media group said the woman was arrested by the police after the plane landed.
After the incident, Tammiruusu told Life: “I do not remember lighting the cigarette. I don’t smoke often. I may have lit a cigarette because the smell relieves my pain.”
She defiantly added that she does not feel sorry for the other passengers on the flight, and believes that she is owed an apology for being filmed without her consent.
If convicted of failing to comply with the cabin crew’s instructions, Tammiruusu could face a fine of between RUB 2,000 (GBP 19.7) to 5,000 (GBP 49) or up to 15 days in prison.
If convicted of smoking in a banned area, she could be fined up to RUB 1,500 (GBP 15.7).
It is unclear if the local authorities have charged her with any offences yet.