Africa: Airline Operators of Nigeria Slams Lifetime ‘No Fly’ Ban on Ibom Air Passenger Over Violent Mid-Air Incident

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime flying ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson after a violent onboard incident aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

According to AON, Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone use before physically assaulting crew members and attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon. The association described the attack as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour in recent memory, endangering crew, passengers, and aircraft safety.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, AON commended Ibom Air for its swift handling of the situation and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive passengers. Effective immediately, Emmanson is barred for life from flying with any AON member airline, both domestically and internationally.

READ: Aviation: Airline Operators of Nigeria AON Applauds FAAN’s Transparent Efforts to Improve Service Quality and Passenger Experience at Federal Airports

The incident follows similar episodes involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace, prompting AON to call on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently strengthen security protocols at airports.

AON stressed that while passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process and never jeopardise the safety of others.

“The incident which Ibom Air described, from the initial refusal by the passenger to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage which led to the brutal physical assault on Ibom Air crew members and the attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon, constitutes one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year.

“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.