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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strict directive requiring pilots to refuse takeoff if passengers behave disruptively, signalling a crackdown on in-flight misconduct and reinforcing safety in Nigeria’s skies.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who represented the Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, during a meeting with domestic airline operators.
Achimugu stated, “Pilots are not to depart until disruptive passengers are removed from the aircraft or the matter is settled amicably.”
He added that the measure is intended to protect cabin crew and ensure passengers treat them with respect, noting that confrontations often escalate when pilots fail to assert authority.
He also urged cabin crew to maintain professionalism at all times, emphasising that firmness should not be interpreted as rudeness.
“Crew members must avoid being rude, and passengers should respect their authority,” Achimugu said.
During the meeting, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General and Deputy General Manager for Flight Operations and Adjudication, warned airlines that failing to promptly inform passengers or provide adequate care during flight delays or cancellations could attract penalties.
Other issues discussed included passenger handling procedures, pending refund and compensation claims, enforcement of rules on electronic devices, and measures to safeguard cabin crew members.
Representatives of major domestic airlines, including Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa Airways, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, and Overland Airways, attended the session.
The directive comes amid rising incidents of passenger misconduct, highlighting NCAA’s determination to enforce discipline and protect both crew and passengers across the country’s aviation sector.
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