The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has raised alarm over the growing incidents of unruly passenger behaviour across the nation’s airports, warning that such actions will attract strict penalties under existing aviation laws.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, FAAN said, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has noted with concern the increasing frequency of unruly behaviour by some passengers at our airports.
“We wish to categorically state that such conduct is entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated.”
The agency urged air travellers to familiarise themselves with aviation rules, adding, “Passengers are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities, and Airlines’ Obligations as published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Bye Laws.”
FAAN emphasised its readiness to enforce relevant penalties, stating, “Moving forward, the Authority will not hesitate to implement relevant sanctions as stipulated in ICAO Annexe 17, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, especially Part 17 and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour within airport premises.”
According to the statement, FAAN is currently reviewing its security protocols, noting, “FAAN is also reviewing its protocols around restraining and prosecuting passengers in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and relevant laws.”
On the recent case involving a passenger on an Ibom Air flight, the agency disclosed, “Regarding the recent incident involving a passenger on Ibom Air, while the situation was initially managed by security personnel at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 the FAAN Aviation Security team has since intervened, taken the individual into custody, and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.”
The statement concluded with an appeal for civility, reiterating, “FAAN once again urges all intending passengers to conduct themselves in a civil and orderly manner and to adhere to all established airport and airline regulations. The safety, security, and comfort of all airport users remain our top priority, and acts of inappropriate behaviour will be met with the full weight of applicable laws and protocols.”
