Embattled unruly passenger Ms Comfort Emmanson is now free to fly as Airline Operators of Nigeria AON has lifted the life ban placed on her from flying with any AON-member airline for life.
The AON in a release by its spokesperson Prof Obiora Okonkwo stressed that the decision was taken following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and appeal to lift the life-time ban placed on Ms Comfort Emmanson by its members for unruly behaviour on board Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The Airline body called on relevant aviation agencies to immediately commence the sensitization of the public on the dangers and consequences of unruly behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft, as spelt out in section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
The association believes that incidents of unruly and disruptive behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft will greatly reduce if passengers are aware that such behaviour poses a danger to flight safety and are offences under the law, punishable with a fine or imprisonment or both.
The AON however gives a breakdown of what constitutes Unruly behaviour, but is not limited to:
Assaulting, intimidating, or threatening any flight or cabin crew member
Using a mobile phone and/or other communication/electronic gadget on board aircraft against the instruction of the pilot-in-command or flight crew or cabin crew
Smoking on board aircraft or in a non-smoking area of the terminal building
Fighting or other disorderly conduct on board an aircraft or at the terminal building
Any conduct constituting a nuisance to other passengers
Disobedience of lawful instruction issued by the pilot-in-command, flight crew, cabin crew, check-in-staff and/or security screening staff
Any conduct that endangers the safety of flight operations
Tampering with smoke detectors or other aircraft equipment.
The AON reiterates the power of the pilot-in-command or an AVSEC officer, as provided in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, to restrain and de-board an unruly and disruptive passenger and to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the aircraft, the terminal building or of persons and property therein, to maintain good order and discipline on board or at the terminal building and to enable him deliver such person to competent authorities.
The Association confirms that members shall cooperate with the relevant aviation agencies and participate in the retraining retreats on how to handle cases of unruly and disruptive passengers as proposed by the Minister.
The AON reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passenger behaviour and enjoins aggrieved passengers to follow proper channels in expressing their grievances.
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