The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, after a violent incident aboard flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, announced the decision on Monday, following a review of Ibom Air’s report on the matter. He praised the airline for its swift and professional handling of the situation and fully endorsed the sanctions already imposed.
According to the report, Ms. Emmanson initially refused to comply with crew instructions to switch off her mobile phone, which escalated into a physical attack on crew members. She allegedly attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, an act described as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour in 2025.
Okonkwo said the attack endangered the lives of passengers and crew as well as the integrity of the aircraft. He stressed that the AON maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violent conduct in the air.
Effective immediately, Ms. Emmanson has been banned from flying on any AON member airline, both locally and internationally. Okonkwo noted that recent incidents, including those involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace, highlight a troubling trend.
He also urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently review and tighten aviation security procedures, noting that the incident exposed lapses in the current system.
“AON stands united with Ibom Air and all members in protecting airline staff, passengers, and equipment while upholding the highest safety standards,” Okonkwo stated. “Passengers have the right to express grievances, but such must be done through proper channels.”
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