Navya Nair gets fined over Rs 1 lakh at Melbourne airport for carrying jasmine flowers

The Malayalam star turned an airport setback into a life lesson, opening up about how a simple gesture from her father led to the costly penalty.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 9, 2025 - 12:00 PM IST

Malayalam actress Navya Nair, who recently travelled to Australia to take part in Onam celebrations, found herself in an unexpected situation at Melbourne International Airport. The actress was fined AUD 1,980 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) after officials discovered she was carrying undeclared jasmine flowers in her handbag, a violation of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws.

Navya Nair gets fined over Rs 1 lakh at Melbourne airport for carrying jasmine flowers

Navya was invited by the Malayali Association of Victoria to be part of the grand Onam festivities in Melbourne. While her trip was meant to celebrate culture and tradition, it turned into a costly experience owing to a small oversight.

Recounting the incident during a public event, the actress revealed that her father had lovingly purchased jasmine flowers for her before she left Kochi. He made two strands—asking her to wear one and carry the other in her handbag. What was meant as a thoughtful gesture soon turned problematic, as she had not declared the flowers upon arrival in Australia.

Airport authorities stopped Navya during a routine check and imposed the fine under their stringent regulations. Speaking about the incident, the actress admitted that her ignorance was no excuse and assured that she has learned how important it is to comply with such rules. She added that she paid the fine within the stipulated 28 days and treated the episode as an eye-opening experience.

Australia is known for enforcing tough biosecurity measures to safeguard its agriculture and natural environment. All plant material, including flowers, must be declared by travellers on the Incoming Passenger Card. Failure to do so can result in penalties of up to AUD 6,600, criminal charges, or even visa cancellation. While travellers are permitted to carry fresh-cut flowers, they must undergo inspection to ensure they are pest-free.

For Navya, the incident was less about the money and more about the valuable lesson in following international travel regulations. Despite the setback, she went on to attend the Onam celebrations in Melbourne, where fans warmly welcomed her. She even posted several social media posts of her look with the flowers. The first post read, "Happy Onam ??? First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu, carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work calls - and that too is another happiness. ?? Onboard Singapore Airlines… Melbourne, here I come!" Whereas, the actress shared another video where she is seen exploring the airport.

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A post shared by Navya Nair (@navyanair143)

The actress’s story has since sparked conversations within the Malayali diaspora about how cultural symbols like jasmine flowers, deeply tied to tradition, can sometimes clash with global rules.

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