The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive prohibiting pilots from taking off when dealing with disruptive passengers, aiming to bolster safety and discipline in the aviation sector.
The announcement was made by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, during a meeting with domestic airlines in Abuja on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Achimugu instructed pilots to resolve issues with unruly passengers amicably or ensure their removal by security before departure.
“Pilots must not fly until disruptive passengers are removed or the issue is settled peacefully. This protects cabin crew and ensures they are treated with respect,” he stated.
He noted that incidents often escalate due to pilots failing to assert control, adding, “No passenger has the right to touch any cabin crew.”
The NCAA also urged cabin crew to maintain professionalism, with Achimugu clarifying that passengers should not mistake firmness for rudeness.
Additionally, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the NCAA Director-General, warned that airlines failing to notify or care for passengers during flight delays or cancellations would face sanctions.
The meeting, attended by representatives from Arik, Ibom, Aero, United Nigeria, Green Africa, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, AirPeace, and Overland, also covered passenger handling protocols, unresolved refunds and compensation, RFID bag tags, flight monitoring technology, phone switch-off enforcement, and measures to enhance travel experiences while safeguarding cabin crew.
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