The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime flight ban earlier imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger sanctioned for unruly behaviour.
In a statement released on Thursday, AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo said the decision followed an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
According to Okonkwo, the operators agreed to remove the ban after considering key factors, including Emmanson’s public remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the dismissal of charges, and her release from custody.
He commended the Federal Government for introducing a retreat to retrain aviation security personnel and airline crew on handling disruptive passengers. He also urged aviation agencies to increase public awareness on the dangers and legal consequences of unruly conduct, as outlined in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Okonkwo explained that such behaviour includes assault or threats against crew members, disobeying safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, engaging in fights or disorderly acts, and tampering with aircraft equipment.
The AON reaffirmed that pilots-in-command and aviation security officers have the authority to restrain and deboard disruptive passengers, handing them over to relevant authorities to maintain flight safety and order.
“We also confirm that our members will work with the relevant aviation agencies and take part in the retraining retreats on managing disruptive passengers, as proposed by the minister,” Okonkwo stated.
