Flight delays, mechanical faults, and occasional runway mishaps are not uncommon in the aviation industry.

But in recent months, attention in Nigeria has shifted from aircraft issues to dramatic confrontations involving passengers, lawmakers, and music icons, highlighting cracks in aviation policy enforcement.

From a passenger blocking an aircraft aisle until airspace closure, to a senator staging a sit-in at an airport gate, and a music legend halting a plane’s movement, the incidents have triggered nationwide debate.

January 8 – Passenger Blocks Ibom Air Flight Aisle

An Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja was cancelled after a female passenger disrupted operations when she discovered that her luggage had been left behind due to overweight restrictions.

The irate passenger blocked the aisle, refusing to budge despite pleas from crew members and the pilot, effectively holding the 89 passengers, including an infant, hostage until the airspace was closed.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mike Achimugu, said the passenger would face prosecution.

June – Oshiomhole’s Airport Sit-In

In June, viral videos showed Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) sitting in front of a gate at the Zulu Hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 after missing his Air Peace flight to Abuja.

The airline accused him of assaulting staff, barricading the terminal entrance, and disrupting operations, affecting other travellers.

Oshiomhole, however, described the incident as an attempt at extortion and arbitrary policy changes, accusing the NCAA of failing in its oversight role. He called on the Federal Government to intervene.

August 5 – KWAM1 Blocks ValueJet Aircraft

On August 5, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, was accused by ValueJet of spilling alcohol on a crew member when questioned about the contents of a bottle he carried.

In footage widely shared online, Ayinde was seen confronting airport staff before standing in front of the aircraft to prevent it from taxiing. The plane eventually veered away, forcing those nearby, including Ayinde, to dodge its wings.

Ayinde insisted the bottle contained water prescribed by his doctor for severe dehydration.

The NCAA suspended the licences of two ValueJet pilots over safety breaches and placed Ayinde on a six-month no-fly list, later extending it indefinitely pending investigation. The agency noted that in some countries, such conduct could be classified as a form of terrorism.

August 10 – Comfort Emmanson’s In-Flight Assault

On August 10, Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson allegedly assaulted cabin crew aboard a Uyo-Lagos flight after refusing to switch off her phone during pre-flight safety checks.

The airline said the matter escalated when a fellow passenger switched off her phone, prompting a verbal tirade. Upon landing, Emmanson reportedly attacked the purser, other crew members, and security personnel.

Ibom Air handed her over to security and placed a travel restriction on her, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) blacklisted her with a lifetime no-fly ban.