NCAA orders strict phone, device shutdown during takeoff, landing

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a fresh directive mandating passengers to switch off all phones and electronic devices during critical phases of flights.

The order was given by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, who stressed that the move is aimed at strengthening flight safety standards across the country.

Capt. Najomo further directed all domestic airline operators to immediately update their operations manuals in line with the directive and submit them for swift approval by the NCAA.

He noted that the safety of the aviation system is the safety of the country.

To tackle all forms of security threats at the airports, the DG said, “We are going to do a mock response next week. We are going to carry it out in Lagos and Abuja, and if you think in your mind you are going to come and be unruly passengers, we’re waiting for you.

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“Aviation security personnel and law enforcement must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement. All stakeholders, from airlines to intelligence partners, must work without silos to share threat intelligence and coordinate rapid response.

“We are part of the shift in the behaviour of the travelling public, who should see airlines as transactional partners rather than foes. To avoid ambiguity and perceived confusion, all mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. There’s nothing like flight mode any longer. They must be switched off.

“Nigerian airline operators are therefore required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit it to the NCAA for approval. We remain alert to future review of this requirement as Aircraft Technological and Safety Enhancement Improved Risk Assessment evolves.

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“As always, it remains the responsibility of the crew to communicate this requirement to passengers, and the responsibility of the passengers to comply with crew instructions. It’s all there in the manual that we approved from the CA”.

He noted that unruly acts in the aviation sector cannot be eradicated, adding that it can be managed through effective collaboration by all stakeholders.

“The reality is that unruly acts can never be eliminated totally. So, we must be ready to manage and resolve these incidents, and if and when they occur, in line with the standard protocols, professionally and responsibly.

The Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Peter Jiya, attributed the challenges in the aviation sector to indiscipline and lack of professionalism.

He said, “Little sentiments here and there have not allowed us to do the needful. We are not to share blame, but we must know that we have a responsibility to the passengers, and we must do it without fear or favour.

“We have enough rules and regulations; what is left is their implementation professionally, and other aviation agencies must work to complement the NCAA.

The Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, urged any aggrieved passenger to send their complaints to the NCAA for resolution.