Airlines in Nigeria have united to impose a sweeping travel ban on a passenger accused of attacking flight crew during a domestic journey — an act the industry body says represents the most extreme example of air rage in 2025.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said Comfort Emmanson would not be allowed to travel on any member airline within or outside the country after an incident aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
AON spokesperson Prof Obiora Okonkwo said Ms Emmanson allegedly ignored repeated instructions to switch off her phone during landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, then became physically aggressive when approached by crew. The confrontation reportedly escalated into physical assault and an attempt to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
The association condemned the conduct as “unacceptable” and warned that such violent disruptions not only endanger airline staff and passengers but also compromise aircraft safety.
The indefinite “No Fly” measure means Ms Emmanson is barred from boarding flights operated by any AON member airline, a network that serves both domestic and international routes.
Calling the episode “one too many,” the AON urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to strengthen airport security measures. “We stand united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining zero tolerance toward unruly passengers,” it said, adding that future offenders would face the same fate.
While acknowledging passengers’ rights to voice complaints, the association stressed that grievances must be addressed through lawful channels, not through violence.
