AON lifts lifetime ‘no-fly’ ban on Ibom Air passenger after Minister’s intervention

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the lifting of the lifetime ban previously imposed on Comfort Emmanson, who faced accusations of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10. This decision was revealed by AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo on Thursday.

Okonkwo stated that the reversal of the ban followed the intervention of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who advocated for a reassessment of the penalty.

“The AON, having considered all the circumstances of the matter, including the exhibition of remorse for her behavior, the withdrawal of the complaint and consequent striking out of the charges, and release of Ms. Emmanson from custody… hereby lifted the life ban placed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson from flying with any AON-member airline for life,” Okonkwo explained.

He also stressed the necessity for public awareness about the repercussions of unruly behaviour in aviation, urging related agencies to initiate educational campaigns regarding the dangers and legal ramifications as stipulated in the Civil Aviation Act and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

The AON clearly defined the types of behaviour that constitute unruly conduct, such as assaulting crew members, using electronic devices against crew instructions, and selecting smoking on board. Okonkwo reiterated that pilots-in-command and aviation security officers possess the authority to manage and de-board disruptive passengers to maintain flight safety.

The association reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance towards such behaviours and encouraged passengers to follow the correct procedures when voicing grievances.

In a preceding meeting, Minister Keyamo indicated that key stakeholders in the aviation sector agreed to lift the ban on Emmanson, who had been added to the “no-fly” list after videos circulated online showing her aggressive actions toward a flight attendant and confrontations with airport security.

Source: TheCable