Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors
While in cruise; I smelled the faint smell of cigarette smoke. As I told the Captain that I started to smell cigarette smoke; we received a call from Flight Attendant A. As pilot flying; I did not talk to the Flight Attendant however; I was told by the Captain that a passenger had lit a cigarette in the forward lavatory; but the cigarette had been extinguished.We informed ATC that we may need to divert; and asked to slow down in case we needed to go to [a nearby airport] while we determined options/QRH procedures. The Captain obtained information from the flight attendants and ACARS Dispatch which resulted in a radio call to Dispatch to identify options. We did not see smoke; and the smell in the cockpit quickly dissipated. After running and following QRH procedures and speaking with Dispatch; we [advised] center; and diverted to [a nearby airport]. Law Enforcement and Fire department were waiting for us when we landed. Law Enforcement escorted/removed the passenger from the aircraft. At no time did we receive an EICAS message for Lavatory Smoke.
[Report narrative contained no additional information].
An air carrier flight crew while in cruise smelled the faint smell of cigarette smoke. The 'A' Flight Attendant confirmed that a passenger had lit a cigarette in the forward lavatory. They followed QRH procedures and elected to divert. Law enforcement removed the passenger from the aircraft.