The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has instructed airlines to prevent take-off whenever disruptive passengers are onboard, a firm step aimed at safeguarding crew members and restoring discipline within the aviation sector.
The directive was disclosed in Abuja by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, who spoke on behalf of the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, during a meeting with executives of domestic carriers.
“Pilots are not to depart until disruptive passengers are removed or the situation is amicably resolved. This protects crew members and encourages passengers to accord them proper respect,” Achimugu said.
He made clear that passengers have no authority to verbally or physically assault cabin crew, adding that many confrontations intensify because pilots fail to exercise sufficient control. At the same time, he reminded crew members to uphold professionalism, cautioning that “firmness must never be mistaken for rudeness.”
The tougher stance follows a spate of incidents involving unruly travellers, including a viral altercation between an Ibom Air employee and a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, as well as a dispute linked to musician KWAM 1, who allegedly delayed a Lagos-bound service.
Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the NCAA Director General, also reiterated airlines’ responsibilities to passengers. She listed timely communication during delays, swift processing of refunds, and adequate care for stranded travellers as obligations that must be met.
Airlines represented at the Abuja meeting included Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa Airways, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, and Overland Airways.
The NCAA cautioned that any airline permitting disruptive passengers to remain onboard risks sanctions. Regulators maintained that the new policy is designed to reinforce aviation safety, shield crew, and foster a more orderly travel environment.