The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban previously imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger penalized for unruly behavior.
In a statement released Thursday, AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo said the decision followed an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Okonkwo explained that the ban was revoked after careful consideration of several factors, including Emmanson’s expression of remorse, the withdrawal of the initial complaint, dismissal of legal charges, and her release from custody.
He commended the Federal Government’s plan to retrain aviation security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crews on handling disruptive passengers. He also urged aviation agencies to raise public awareness about the consequences of unruly behavior under Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Such misconduct includes assault or threats to crew, refusing safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, or interfering with aircraft equipment.
AON emphasized that pilots and AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain or deboard disruptive passengers and hand them over to the appropriate authorities to maintain safety.
“We confirm that our members will work with aviation agencies and participate in the upcoming retraining retreats on managing unruly passengers, as proposed by the minister,” Okonkwo stated.
