- The lifetime ban applies across all routes operated by AON member airlines.
- The AON also urged FAAN to review airport safety protocols to prevent future lapses.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has blacklisted Comfort Emmanson for life following an unruly incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The offence, described as “one of the most serious cases of disruptive behaviour” this year, happened on Sunday.
Ibom Air reported that Emmanson repeatedly disobeyed safety directives on mobile phone usage and physically attacked crew members.
She also reportedly tried to use a fire extinguisher against the flight staff.
According to the airline, she refused to switch off her phone until the pilot intervened, after which a fellow passenger turned it off.
WITHIN NIGERIA also reported that Ibom Air has imposed a travel ban on her.
In a statement on Monday, AON’s spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the no-fly order is effective immediately and applies to all domestic and international flights operated by member airlines.
Okonkwo described the passenger’s actions as a “sustained, violent attack” that endangered crew, passengers, and the aircraft’s safety.
He added that the lifetime ban covers travel on any AON member airline, both within Nigeria and abroad.
The association cited other recent unruly passenger incidents, including musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace.
AON commended Ibom Air for its prompt and professional response to the incident.
“We stand with Ibom Air and all member airlines to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on unruly behaviour,” Okonkwo said.
He urged passengers to follow proper channels when raising complaints.
The group also criticised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its Aviation Security unit, calling for urgent improvements to airport security measures.