A Nigerian airline passenger has been indefinitely barred from flying with any member airline of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) following a violent altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight. The AON announced the ban on Comfort Emmanson this week, labeling the incident as the “most severe case of unruly passenger behavior” recorded this year.
According to a statement issued by AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the incident occurred on Sunday aboard Ibom Air Flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Emmanson allegedly refused instructions to stop using her mobile phone during the plane’s descent into Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two. When confronted by cabin crew and airport staff, she reportedly became physically aggressive, attacking crew members and attempting to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon before being subdued by security personnel.
The airline association condemned the episode as a “sustained, violent attack” that endangered passengers, crew, and the aircraft. “This was not just disruptive; it placed lives and the integrity of the flight at risk,” the AON stated, commending Ibom Air’s “swift and professional handling” of the situation. The group emphasized that such incidents are occurring with alarming frequency, warranting stricter consequences.
Emmanson’s indefinite “No Fly” status prohibits her from boarding any aircraft operated by AON’s member airlines for domestic or international travel. The association also called on Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) to strengthen airport security protocols nationwide, citing the need to prioritize safety and prevent future escalations.
The AON reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward disruptive passengers, warning that similar behavior would result in equivalent bans. “While passengers have the right to voice concerns, actions must follow due process,” the statement read, underscoring a commitment to protecting staff, travelers, and aviation infrastructure.
The incident has reignited discussions about passenger conduct and enforcement measures in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with industry leaders urging travelers to adhere to safety regulations. Flight crew unions have long advocated for stricter penalties for onboard violence, which has surged globally in recent years. No legal action against Emmanson has been disclosed, though Nigerian authorities typically review such cases for potential criminal charges.
