NCAA Announces New Rule on Phone Use in Flights, Air Peace, Max Air, Others To Enforce
- The NCAA has announced that all passengers, regardless of the airline, must switch off their phones during take-off and landing
- All airlines in Nigeria have been directed to amend their security programmes to reflect the new rule
- The NCAA has also summoned passenger Comfort Emmanson and the Ibom Air cabin crew over an incident on a Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10
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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines to enforce a rule requiring passengers to switch off mobile phones and electronic devices during take-off and landing.
The new rule suspends the previous allowance of aeroplane mode use.
Source: Getty Images
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), announced the directive on Tuesday, August 19 via X.
He said the change was aimed at tightening flight safety regulations pending further review in line with evolving technology.
He wrote:
Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified:
"All phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing.
He asks airlines to amend their security programmes to reflect the new rule.
"All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations."
Why the changes
The announcement follows an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, where viral videos showed a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, being dragged by airline staff, sparking outrage on social media.
NCAA officials have summoned Emmanson and the Ibom Air cabin crew for further questioning on Wednesday, August 20.
Achimugu said the pilot-in-command did not call security after landing in Lagos as the matter appeared settled before departure, but it resurfaced when Emmanson, who used the restroom after touchdown, became the last to disembark, BusinessDay reports.
Achimugu said:
“The Authority will conduct a thorough probe to establish the facts and ensure fairness,.
Source: Getty Images
Airlines warn passengers of sanctions
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), in an earlier statement, released a list of unruly behaviours at airports, warning of sanctions.
- Assaulting, intimidating, or threatening flight or cabin crew members;
- Using mobile phones or electronic devices against crew instructions;
- Smoking on board or in restricted areas;
- Fighting or disorderly conduct onboard or at terminals;
- Acting as a nuisance to other passengers;
- Disobeying lawful instructions from crew, check-in staff, or security;
- Any action endangering flight safety;
- Tampering with smoke detectors or aircraft equipment.
FAAN warns passengers against unruly behaviour
In a related development, the FAAN has issued a warning to passengers at Nigerian airports amid rising incidents of unruly behaviour.
The government agency has urged travellers to be careful, as any wrong behaviour will be met with legal implications.
The agency also it is also reviewing protocols for restraining and prosecuting offenders in line with approved security programmes and relevant laws.
Source: Legit.ng
