The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has distanced itself on the reported no-fly ban decision taken against an Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, involved in a recent in-flight incident.
Penpushing reports that Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Michael Achimugu, made the clarification while featuring on a television interview.
The spokesperson explained that the decision to take legal action and restrict the passenger was made solely by Ibom Air and other airline operators after reviewing evidence of the alleged assault on a crew member.
Penpushing further reports that he contrasted the case with a previous incident involving musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, where the agency had issued an advisory for airlines to ban the passenger.
The agency while petitioning relevant authorities for prosecution in that case, pointed out the ban was later updated to be indefinite pending the outcome of investigations.
“In the Ibom Air incident, because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to pursue the matter in court. The NCAA is not involved in this case’, Achimugu said.
Penpushing also reports that Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stressed that both incidents highlight the need to address the root causes of in-flight conflicts, and reminded passengers that aviation safety rules must be obeyed without sentiment.
“Unruly behaviour is not acceptable anywhere in the world, no matter the provocation. You must always obey the cabin crew when aboard an aircraft. Your rights stop where those of other passengers begin,” he said,
Penpushing reports that Achimugu added that failure to switch off mobile devices during take-off makes fellow passengers feel unsafe, and described the Ibom Air altercation as entirely avoidable.
The spokesperson emphasised that compliance with simple safety instructions, such as turning off a phone for a few minutes, protects everyone on board, disclosing that the matter is now before the court.
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