Airline operators lift ban on Ibom Air passenger, keep mum on ambassador role

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has reversed the lifetime flight ban imposed on Comfort Emmanson for disruptive conduct aboard Ibom Air Flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

AON said the decision came after Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), stepped in, coupled with Emmanson’s apology and the withdrawal of legal action against her.

Emmanson regained her freedom on Wednesday when an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba struck out the charges filed against her.

The federal government also reduced Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s (KWAM1) six-month suspension over a separate unruly incident involving ValueJet to just one month.

Keyamo disclosed that KWAM1 would serve pro bono as an airport security protocol ambassador for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) — and hinted that Emmanson might receive a similar role.

But when AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo announced the group’s resolutions on Thursday, he made no mention of any ambassadorial appointment for Emmanson.

AON further urged aviation authorities to intensify public education on the risks and penalties of disruptive behavior in airports and on aircraft, as provided under Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.

The association warned that such behavior — including assaulting or threatening crew members, ignoring crew instructions on electronic device use, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, disorderly conduct, or any act endangering flight safety — is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

It also restated that pilots or AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain and de-board unruly passengers, protect flight operations, and hand offenders over to the proper authorities.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance, AON advised aggrieved travelers to seek redress through lawful channels rather than resorting to disruptive conduct.