The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime flight ban previously imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger sanctioned for unruly conduct.
AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, made this known in a statement on Thursday, explaining that it followed an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Okonkwo said the operators agreed to remove the sanction after considering several factors, including Emmanson’s public expression of remorse, the withdrawal of the initial complaint, the dismissal of charges against her, and her release from custody.
He commended the Federal Government for introducing a planned retreat to retrain Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew on managing disruptive passengers.
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He also urged aviation agencies to intensify public sensitisation on the dangers and legal consequences of such behaviour, as outlined in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Okonkwo noted that unruly conduct includes assault or threats to crew, refusal to obey safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, disorderly behaviour, or tampering with aircraft equipment. He stressed that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain and remove disruptive passengers, handing them over to relevant authorities to ensure flight safety.
“We confirm that members will work closely with relevant aviation agencies and participate in the retraining retreats proposed by the minister,” Okonkwo added.