National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and aviation authorities are investigating the case of a passenger using a knife to peel fruits aboard a plane, an act that violated flight safety and security regulations.

VNA, the Southern Airport Authority, and Tan Son Nhat Aviation Security Center on Monday told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that they were handling the case that happened on flight VN208 from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on the morning of the same day.

A representative of the airport security center said it was coordinating with other agencies in clarifying it and would make an official announcement later, according to Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper.

The woman’s act was reported to flight attendants by a passenger, Luu Van Long, who recorded the violation in a video that quickly went viral on social media afterward.

Long, who also photographed the woman holding the knife, said he felt shocked to see her using it to cut fruits soon after the plane took off at 8:00 am.

“I wondered why the woman could manage to bring the knife on board the plane," Long said.

"I pressed a button to call a flight attendant and reported the happening.”

A male crew member then came over to the woman, gave her a warning, and temporarily seized the knife from her, Long recounted.

“I do not know if a minutes was made, but I saw the woman sign a sheet of paper," Long said.

"She also questioned whether she could get back the knife after getting off the plane.”

The woman was accompanied by an elderly man, he added.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said it had ordered an investigation into why the knife had not been detected by the airport security screening team.

As per current regulations, knives are on the list of dangerous items prohibited from being brought into the airport’s restricted areas and an aircraft cabin.

Specifically, passengers are banned from carrying razors, paper knives, knives with blades longer than six centimeters, and knives with both the handle and blade over 10 centimeters long in their carry-on luggage.

Violators are subject to a fine of VND7-10 million (US$299-428).

As for aviation security officers who fail to discover such items, they shall be required to pay a fine of VND1-10 million ($42.8-428) and may also have their professional license revoked.

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