The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger previously barred from Ibom Air for unruly behaviour.

The decision came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appealed the case. AON considered Emmanson’s apology, the withdrawal of complaints, the cancellation of charges, and her release from custody before lifting the ban.

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, AON’s spokesperson, praised the Federal Government for planning retreats to train Aviation Security personnel and airline staff on how to handle disruptive passengers.

He also urged aviation agencies to educate the public on the dangers and legal consequences of unruly behaviour, as stated in the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.

Unruly behaviour includes threatening or assaulting crew members, ignoring safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, fighting, causing disturbances, or tampering with aircraft equipment.

AON emphasized that pilots and AVSEC officers are authorized to restrain and remove disruptive passengers and hand them to proper authorities. Members will cooperate with aviation agencies and participate in the planned retraining programs.