AON Lifts Lifetime No-Fly Ban on Ibom Air Passenger Comfort Emmanson After Minister’s Intervention
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has officially lifted the lifetime no-fly ban placed on Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of assaulting a cabin crew member and airport security personnel in an incident that made headlines across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
PulseNets learnt that the reversal of the sanction was contained in a statement signed on Thursday in Lagos by the AON spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
According to the statement, Ms Emmanson was indefinitely banned from flying with any AON-member airline on August 12, 2025, after an altercation occurred aboard Ibom Air’s Flight Q1 513 from Uyo to Lagos. She was earlier remanded in a correctional facility on August 11 but later released on Wednesday after all criminal charges were withdrawn by the relevant authorities.
Prof. Okonkwo told PulseNets that the lifting of the ban came after the direct intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
He explained that the AON considered several factors, including the “exhibition of remorse for her behaviour, the withdrawal of the complaint, and the striking out of all charges.”
“AON hereby lifts the life ban placed on Emmanson from flying with any AON-member airline for life. It calls on the relevant aviation agencies to immediately commence the sensitisation of the public on the dangers and consequences of unruly behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft. As spelt out in section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023. It believes that incidents of unruly and disruptive behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft will greatly reduce,” Prof. Okonkwo said.
Unruly Passenger Behaviour Under Nigeria’s Aviation Law
The AON spokesperson outlined what qualifies as unruly passenger behaviour under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act 2022 and Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, noting that these offences carry severe penalties, including possible prosecution and long-term travel bans.
PulseNets reported that these offences include:
-
Assaulting, intimidating, or threatening any flight or cabin crew member.
-
Using mobile phones or electronic devices onboard against the pilot’s or crew’s instructions.
-
Smoking onboard or in restricted airport areas.
-
Fighting or disorderly conduct on an aircraft or in terminal buildings.
-
Disobeying lawful instructions from pilots, crew, check-in staff, or security officers.
-
Tampering with smoke detectors or any other aircraft safety equipment.
Prof. Okonkwo spoke to PulseNets, stressing:
“The pilot-in-charge can take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the aircraft, the terminal building or of persons and property therein. To maintain good order and discipline on board or at the terminal building and to enable him to deliver such a person to competent authorities. Confirms 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.”
AON’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on Passenger Misconduct
The spokesperson reaffirmed to PulseNets that AON maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive passenger behaviour and warned that future cases will be met with decisive enforcement actions.
Also Read: Max Air: NCAA NSIB Begin Investigation, Decry Media Sensationalism
He advised Nigerian air travellers to follow approved complaint channels and respect all safety protocols to avoid violating the Civil Aviation Act.
This latest development, PulseNets learnt, has reignited discussions on passenger rights in Nigeria, airline bans, and the legal consequences of unruly behaviour in Nigerian airports and aircraft — especially in light of rising concerns over air travel safety and discipline.
