Airlines in Nigeria have been ordered to keep their planes grounded if any unruly passenger is on board, under a new directive issued by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu announced the measure on Wednesday at a meeting with domestic airline operators in Abuja, where he represented the agency’s Director-General, Chris Najomo.
“Pilots must not depart until a disruptive passenger has been removed or the situation resolved amicably. This protects crew members and ensures passengers treat them with respect,” Achimugu said.
He stressed that no traveler has the right to verbally or physically assault cabin crew and noted that some incidents escalated because pilots failed to exercise authority. He also reminded attendants to remain professional, adding that “firmness must never be mistaken for rudeness.”
Ifueko Abdulmalik, senior special assistant to the director-general, highlighted airlines’ responsibilities to passengers, including timely communication during delays, prompt refunds, and adequate care for stranded travelers.
The new order comes after a series of headline-making confrontations. In one recent case, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde disrupted a Lagos-bound flight, blocking departure passenger. Another passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson was caught on video assaulting a flight attendant aboard an Ibom Air service before clashing with airport security.
Beyond unruly behavior, the NCAA also raised concerns over pending compensation claims, enforcement of phone-use restrictions during flights, and the need to safeguard cabin crew from abuse.
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