The Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON has placed a no fly life ban on Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson for unruly behaviour.
The AON in a statement signed by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo its
Spokesperson condemned the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
Prof. Okonkwo said the AON has reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident and has commended the airline for its swift and professional handling of the unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken.
He stated that: “The incident which Ibom Air described, from the initial refusal by the passenger to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage which led to the brutal physical assault on Ibom Air crew members and the attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon, constitutes one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year. This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable. Therefore, effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life. Such incidents have become one too many with the most recent being the incident involving Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards the members of staff of Air Peace”.
AON Spokesman noted that the incident exposes the vulnerabilities in the security response by the Aviation Security (AVSEC).
Okonkwo urgently called on FAAN to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.
He said the AON stands united with Ibom Air and all its members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly airline passengers.
He said: “Going forward, anyone who exhibits such behaviour will suffer similar consequence. While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, equipment and to maintain the highest safety standards”.
