The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has revoked the lifetime ban imposed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger previously disciplined for disruptive conduct.
According to AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the decision was made following an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He explained that the ban was lifted after taking into account Emmanson’s expression of regret, the withdrawal of the complaint against her, the dismissal of charges, and her release from custody.
Okonkwo praised the Federal Government for proposing a retreat to retrain Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew on managing unruly passengers. He also called on aviation authorities to enhance public awareness campaigns about the risks and legal repercussions of disruptive behaviour, as stipulated in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Such behaviour, he clarified, encompasses actions like assaulting or threatening crew members, disregarding safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, engaging in fights, acting disorderly, or interfering with aircraft equipment.
The AON reaffirmed that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers are authorized to restrain and remove disruptive passengers and transfer them to appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of flight operations and maintain discipline. Okonkwo noted that AON members will collaborate with relevant aviation agencies and participate in the planned retraining retreats.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
