The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has officially lifted the lifetime travel ban previously imposed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger sanctioned for unruly conduct.
According to AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the decision came after an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Factors influencing the reversal included Emmanson’s expression of remorse, the complainant’s withdrawal, the striking out of legal charges, and her release from custody.
Okonkwo praised the Federal Government for initiating plans to retrain Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew on effectively managing disruptive passengers.
He also urged aviation agencies to enhance public awareness campaigns on the dangers and legal consequences of such misconduct, as stated in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
He explained that unruly behaviour includes assaulting or threatening crew members.
Also, defying safety instructions, smoking in prohibited zones, engaging in fights, acting disorderly, or tampering with aircraft equipment.
The AON emphasised that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers hold the authority to restrain, offload, and hand over disruptive passengers to relevant authorities
This is to ensures the safety and order of flight operations.
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Okonkwo further assured that AON members will fully cooperate with aviation agencies and participate in upcoming retraining retreats.
