The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban previously imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger sanctioned for unruly behaviour.
In a statement issued on Thursday, AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said the decision followed an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Okonkwo noted that the operators agreed to remove the sanction after considering several factors, including Emmanson’s show of remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the dismissal of charges, and her release from custody.
He commended the Federal Government for initiating a retreat to retrain aviation security personnel and airline crew on handling disruptive passengers and urged aviation agencies to step up public sensitisation on the dangers and legal consequences of unruly conduct, as stipulated in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Such conduct, he pointed out, covers assault or threats to crew members, refusal to follow safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, disorderly actions, or interfering with aircraft equipment.
The AON stressed that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain and de-board disruptive passengers, handing them over to competent authorities to ensure flight safety and order.
“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.