Dare Babalola
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban placed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting the airline hostess and airport officials.
Recall that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier appealed to AON to lift the ban.
In a statement by AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the operators resolved to lift the ban after considering all circumstances, including Emmanson’s display of remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the striking out of charges, and her release from custody.
He commended the Federal Government for proposing a retreat to retrain Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew on handling disruptive passengers, and 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.
Okonkwo noted that assaulting or threatening crew members, ignoring safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, fighting, disorderly behaviour, or tampering with aircraft equipment are all parts of unruly conduct.
The AON also 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.
“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.
