AON lifts life ban on Ibom Air passenger

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger previously sanctioned for unruly behaviour.

The decision followed an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, according to AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo. He said the ban was lifted after considering Emmanson’s display of remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the striking out of charges, and her release from custody.

Okonkwo commended the Federal Government for proposing a retreat to retrain Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew on handling disruptive passengers. He also urged aviation agencies to intensify public sensitisation on the dangers and legal consequences of unruly behaviour, as outlined in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.

Unruly conduct, he noted, includes assaulting or threatening crew members, ignoring safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, fighting, disorderly behaviour, or tampering with aircraft equipment.

The AON further reiterated that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers are empowered to restrain and de-board disruptive passengers and hand them over to competent authorities to safeguard flight operations and maintain order. Okonkwo added that members will cooperate with relevant aviation agencies and participate in the proposed retraining retreats.

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