Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed the unruly Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the no-fly list, thereby banning her from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally.
The Spokesperson of AON, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, in a statement released on Monday condemned the violent incident involving the Ibom Air passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The statement read, “We reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident and we commend the airline for its swift and professional handling of this unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken.”
The body stated that the incident constitutes one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year, saying it was not just disruptive, but a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk.
AON however placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely, saying she is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life.
They regretted that such incidents have become one too many, with the most recent being the incident involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards members of staff of Air Peace.
It is also worth mentioning that this incident exposes the vulnerabilities in the security response by the Aviation Security (AVSEC). AON thereby urgently calls on FAAN to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.
The AON said they stand united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly airline passengers.
They warned that going forward, anyone who exhibits such behaviour will suffer similar consequences.
The group said, “While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, equipment and to maintaining the highest safety standards.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has also raised concern over the increasing frequency of unruly behaviour by some passengers at the airports, categorically stating that such conduct is entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated.
FAAN, in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Onah, strongly urged passengers to acquaint themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities, and Airlines’ Obligations as published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Bye Laws.
They stated that moving forward, the Authority will not hesitate to implement relevant sanctions as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations especially Part 17, and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour within airport premises.
The statement said FAAN is also reviewing its protocols around restraining and prosecuting passengers in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and relevant laws.
Regarding the recent incident involving a passenger on Ibom Air, they disclosed that while the situation was initially managed by security personnel at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 (MM2), the FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) team has since intervened, taken the individual into custody, and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.
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.
They reiterated that 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.
