The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303, following a violent confrontation with crew members.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Sunday during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
According to Ibom Air, Emmanson allegedly refused to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage, assaulted crew members, and attempted to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
In a statement issued on Monday, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo confirmed that the sanction takes immediate effect, barring Emmanson from flying on any domestic or international route operated by AON members for life.
AON said, ‘This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable.”
“Therefore, effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely.”
“She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life.”
It noted that the industry has witnessed multiple incidents of disorderly conduct in recent months, citing the recent cases involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on a ValueJet flight and Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s altercation with Air Peace staff.
The group commended Ibom Air for its “swift and professional” handling of the situation and stressed that while passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process.
AON also criticised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit, calling for an urgent review of airport safety protocols to address potential security gaps.
