FAAN warns unruly passengers will face strict penalties as airport incidents continue to rise.
Agency urges civility, citing laws and recent Ibom Air case to stress zero-tolerance policy.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has raised alarm over the growing number of incidents involving unruly passengers at airports across the country, warning that such behavior will no longer be condoned and will attract strict penalties in line with aviation laws.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, FAAN described the trend as unacceptable within civil aviation standards.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has noted with concern the increasing frequency of unruly behavior by some passengers at our airports. We wish to categorically state that such conduct is entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
The agency urged travelers to familiarize themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities, as well as the Airlines’ Obligations published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and FAAN’s own bye-laws, to avoid violations.
FAAN reaffirmed its readiness to enforce relevant sanctions as outlined in ICAO Annexe 17, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 17), and FAAN Bye Laws against any disruptive, threatening, or violent acts within airport premises.
As part of its security enhancement efforts, the authority disclosed that it is reviewing protocols for restraining and prosecuting offenders in line with the Airport Approved Security Program and other legal provisions.
Citing a recent incident involving a passenger on an Ibom Air flight, FAAN noted that while the situation was initially handled by security personnel at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2, its Aviation Security team later took custody of the suspect and handed her over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
FAAN appealed to all air travelers to maintain civility, stressing that the safety, security, and comfort of airport users remain a top priority, and any act of misconduct will be met with the full weight of the law.
