Thursday August 14, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime flight ban imposed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson following her disruptive behavior onboard Ibom Air Flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The decision came after the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who appealed to the association for clemency. AON cited multiple factors behind the reversal, including Ms. Emmanson’s expression of remorse, the withdrawal of the formal complaint, the striking out of charges against her, and her subsequent release from custody.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 14, and signed by its spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), the AON acknowledged the government’s strong stance on aviation safety and its call for better handling of such incidents. The association confirmed it would fully support proposed retreats aimed at retraining airline and airport security personnel (AVSEC) in managing unruly and disruptive passengers.
The AON also called on relevant aviation agencies to immediately launch a nationwide public sensitization campaign to educate passengers on the consequences of unruly behavior at airports and onboard flights. They emphasised that such acts are criminal offenses under Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
The organisation detailed examples of prohibited behaviors, including assaulting or threatening crew members, disobeying safety instructions, tampering with aircraft equipment, and smoking in restricted areas.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy, the AON reminded passengers that flight crews and AVSEC officers are empowered by law to restrain or deboard disruptive individuals to protect the safety and order of aviation operations.
Lastly, the AON encouraged aggrieved passengers to channel complaints through official avenues rather than resorting to unacceptable conduct, highlighting that cooperation and awareness are key to ensuring safe and respectful air travel for all.