Nigeria’s aviation regulator has barred pilots from taking off with unruly passengers onboard flights.
The directive aims to enhance passenger discipline, protect cabin crew, and strengthen safety standards across the sector.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive barring pilots from taking off if unruly passengers are onboard, as part of efforts to strengthen safety and discipline across the country’s aviation sector.
The directive was announced on Wednesday, September 10, by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during a meeting with domestic airlines in Abuja.
Achimugu explained that pilots must ensure that cases involving disruptive passengers are either resolved amicably or that the individuals are removed by security before departure.
“Pilots must not fly a plane until unruly passengers are removed from the aircraft by security or the issue resolved amicably. This will go a long way to protect cabin crew and make passengers treat them with courtesy,” he said.
He noted that many incidents escalate because pilots fail to assert proper control.
“Cases are overblown because the pilots in command did not take charge. Going forward, no passenger has the right to touch any cabin crew,” Achimugu added.
Cabin crew were also urged to remain professional in handling passengers. Achimugu clarified that firmness should not be mistaken for rudeness, while passengers are expected to act with respect.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the NCAA Director-General, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, warned that airlines would face sanctions if they fail to inform or provide adequate care for passengers during flight delays or cancellations.
The meeting also addressed broader issues affecting air travel, including:
- Passenger handling protocols.
- Unresolved refund and compensation complaints.
- Introduction of RFID bag tags and flight monitoring technology.
- Enforcement of phone switch-off rules during flights.
- Measures to enhance travel experience and protect cabin crew.
Airlines present at the meeting included Arik, Ibom, Aero, United Nigeria, Green Africa, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, Air Peace, and Overland.
The NCAA said the new measures were designed to ensure safer, more respectful interactions in Nigerian air travel while holding both passengers and airlines accountable.
