Airlines ban ‘unruly’ Ibom Air passenger for life over ‘violent attack’ on crew

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303, on its “no-fly” list for life over what it described as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”.

The incident occurred on Sunday, aboard the Uyo-to-Lagos flight.

According to Ibom Air, Emmanson allegedly refused to comply with safety instructions on mobile phone usage, assaulted crew members, and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.

“She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off,” Ibom Air said.

The airline had also placed a travel ban on the passenger

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson, said Emmanson’s ban takes immediate effect and applies across all domestic and international routes operated by its members.

‘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,” AON said.

“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.

“Such incidents have become one too many with the most recent being the incident involving Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards the members of staff of Air Peace.”

The group commended Ibom Air for its “swift and professional” handling of the situation.

“We stand united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passengers,” Okonkwo said.

“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, urging an immediate review of airport safety protocols to address security gaps.