JUST IN: AON imposes no-fly life ban on ‘unruly’ Ibom Air passenger

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed a lifetime ban on Ms Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, for violent conduct aboard flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on 10 August 2025.

AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said on Monday that the decision followed a review of a detailed report from Ibom Air on the incident. He praised the airline for its swift and professional handling of the matter and fully backed the sanctions already taken.

Okonkwo stated that the passenger’s refusal to comply with safety instructions on mobile phone usage escalated into a “brutal physical assault” on crew members. She allegedly attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, which was described as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour in 2025.

“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable,” he said.

Effective immediately, Ms Emmanson has been placed on the association’s no-fly list indefinitely, barring her from travelling with any AON member airline, either domestically or internationally, for life.

Okonkwo noted that such incidents have become increasingly common, citing recent cases involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s alleged unruly behaviour towards Air Peace staff.

He added that the incident also exposed gaps in the security response by Aviation Security (AVSEC) and urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently review and strengthen security measures at all airports nationwide.

According to him, AON remains committed to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy on unruly passengers, stressing that while passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process to protect staff, passengers, and equipment while upholding the highest safety standards.