The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive instructing pilots not to take off if there are unresolved issues involving unruly passengers onboard. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance safety, order, and professionalism within 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 all domestic airline operators in Abuja.
Achimugu emphasized that pilots must ensure any situation involving disruptive passengers is resolved—either peacefully or through security intervention—before a flight is allowed to depart.
“Pilots must not proceed with takeoff until unruly passengers are either removed from the aircraft by security or the matter is resolved amicably. This is crucial for protecting cabin crew and encouraging passengers to treat them with respect,” he stated.
He further noted that many incidents escalate unnecessarily due to a lack of decisive action by the pilot in command. “In many cases, the situation becomes worse because pilots fail to assert control. Going forward, no passenger has the right to physically touch or harass any member of the cabin crew,” Achimugu warned.
Cabin crew members were also reminded to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties. “Cabin crew should not be rude, but passengers must also understand that firmness should not be mistaken for impoliteness,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the NCAA Director-General, warned that airlines would face sanctions if they fail to notify or adequately care for passengers during flight delays or cancellations.
Key issues discussed at the meeting included:
-
Passenger handling protocols
-
Unresolved refund and compensation complaints
-
Introduction of RFID baggage tags and flight tracking technology
-
Enforcement of mobile phone switch-off rules
-
Measures to protect cabin crew and improve overall passenger experience
Airlines in attendance included Arik Air, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, Air Peace, and Overland Airways.
