The Airline Operators of Nigeria has lifted the lifetime flight ban placed on Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger earlier sanctioned over alleged unruly behaviour during a flight.
AON’s spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, saying the decision followed an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
According to Okonkwo, operators considered several factors before reversing the ban, including Emmanson’s public apology, the withdrawal of the complaint against her, the dismissal of court charges, and her subsequent release from custody.
“We agreed to lift the sanction after carefully weighing all the circumstances. The passenger has shown remorse, the complaint has been withdrawn, and the legal case closed,” Okonkwo said.
He commended the Federal Government for introducing retraining retreats for Aviation Security personnel and airline crew on handling disruptive passengers. He also urged aviation authorities to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers and legal consequences of disorderly conduct onboard, citing Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
Okonkwo stressed that such behaviours include assault or threats to crew, refusal to comply with safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, fighting, causing disturbances, or tampering with aircraft equipment.
“Pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain and disembark any disruptive passenger, handing them over to competent authorities to maintain safety and order,” he added.
He assured that AON members would work closely with relevant aviation agencies and participate fully in the retraining programme proposed by the minister.