The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned that enforcement action against unruly passengers at airports will soon become more frequent, following a surge in disruptive conduct.
Naijaonpoint reports that the warning comes after a female passenger assaulted crew members and security personnel aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10.
Videos circulating on the social media platform 𝕏 showed the visibly agitated passenger attacking airline staff mid-flight.
In a statement on Monday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, said the agency would step up sanctions for such behaviour.
He said, “We cannot continue to refuse to comply with air travel regulations. Safety is for all.
“You cannot disobey rules in Nigeria that you obey abroad. Robust ramifications and enforcement actions will become the order of the day.”
Achimugu emphasised that safety regulations must be strictly adhered to, noting that the authority would enhance the speed and quality of its response to security incidents at airports.
Ibom Air confirmed it had placed a travel restriction on the female passenger, saying she would no longer be allowed on any of its flights.
“Her conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline emphasised that the safety of its staff and passengers remained its top priority.
The August 10 assault occurred just days after veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, spilt an alcoholic drink on airport staff while boarding a ValueJet aircraft at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The NCAA says it will also launch additional sensitisation campaigns to educate passengers on their responsibilities, while urging all aviation agencies to “tighten loose ends” in enforcing compliance.
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