The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has condemned the unruly behaviour of a passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, warning that any form of violence or non-compliance with crew instructions will not be tolerated.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, was captured in a viral video showing the passenger — identified as Comfort Emmanson — verbally abusing and physically assaulting a female cabin crew member. In the footage, she can be seen slapping the hostess before airport security intervened.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the altercation began after the passenger allegedly refused to follow simple safety instructions from the crew during the flight’s approach.
“When cabin crew ask you to turn off your phone before take-off or landing, simply comply,” Achimugu stressed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “It is baffling that routine requests escalate into such shameful incidents.”
This latest disruption comes barely weeks after the NCAA imposed a six-month ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) for misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Industry experts say these repeated incidents highlight a troubling pattern of non-compliance and aggression towards airline staff in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Ibom Air has since placed a lifetime travel ban on Emmanson, citing its zero-tolerance policy for unruly passenger behaviour. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its staff and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for both crew and passengers.
Safety and Passenger Responsibilities
Achimugu reminded travellers that while passengers have rights under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations, they also carry the responsibility of ensuring safety, order, and mutual respect on board.
“Passengers need to understand that safe air travel is a shared responsibility between airlines, crew, and travellers,” he said. “Aggression towards staff jeopardises safety and can have serious legal consequences.”
Aviation analysts and cabin crew unions have urged the NCAA to impose stiffer penalties — including heavy fines, criminal prosecution, and longer bans — to deter similar incidents. They also recommended intensified passenger awareness campaigns on air travel etiquette and the legal implications of in-flight misconduct.
The NCAA has vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and collaborate with security agencies to ensure justice is served. “More details will be made public after investigations are concluded,” Achimugu assured.
With rising cases of disruptive passenger behaviour, industry stakeholders are calling for stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations, warning that the safety of crew, passengers, and flights must never be compromised.
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