The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the removal of the lifetime ban imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger earlier banned for unruly conduct.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the decision followed an appeal from Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Okonkwo added that the operators decided to lift the sanction after considering all relevant elements, including Emmanson’s declaration of contrition, withdrawal of the complaint, dismissal of charges, and release from detention.
He praised the Federal Government for establishing a retreat to retrain Aviation Security staff and airline crew on dealing with disruptive passengers while urging aviation agencies to raise public awareness about the risks and legal ramifications of unruly behaviour, as outlined in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
The AON clarified that disruptive passengers can be restrained and de-boarded by pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers to ensure flight safety and order.
This includes assault, refusal to follow safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, disorderly behaviour, and interfering with aircraft equipment.
“We confirm that members shall cooperate with the relevant aviation agencies and participate in the retraining retreats on how to handle cases of unruly and disruptive passengers as proposed by the minister,” Okonkwo added.
