The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed a ‘No Fly’ ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who allegedly became unruly aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303, from Uyo to Lagos, on Sunday
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed a ‘No Fly’ ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who allegedly became unruly aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303, from Uyo to Lagos, on Sunday.
This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for AON, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, on Monday in Lagos.
The AON condemned the alleged unruly behaviour including physical assault on a crew member.
It described it as the most severe case of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed in 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanson allegedly refused to comply with safety protocol on use of mobile phone during landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two.
She allegedly became violent when approached by flight crew members and other airport personnel before she was handed to airport security operatives.
AON said: “We have reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident, and we commend the airline for its swift and professional handling of this unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken.
“The incident, from the initial refusal by the passenger to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage which led to brutal physical assault on Ibom Air crew members and the attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon, constitutes one of the most severe case of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year.
“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk.”
It said that such an incident had become one too many.
“This behaviour is unacceptable; therefore, the AON has placed Ms Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely,” it said.
According to the association, Emmanson is banned from flying with any aircraft belonging to any member of AON locally and internationally.
“The AON urgently calls on FAAN to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.
“The AON stands united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward unruly passengers.”
It warned that anyone exhibiting such a behaviour would suffer a similar consequence.
“While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process.
“We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers and equipment, as well as maintaining the highest safety standards,” it said. (NAN)