Ibom Air Passenger: NCAA unveils new rules for passengers

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a sweeping new directive requiring all passengers on domestic flights to completely switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices during take-off and landing, officially banning the use of “airplane mode.”

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Announced on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja, NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo stated that the use of airplane mode is no longer acceptable during the critical phases of flight and that all Nigerian airlines must immediately update their security and operations manuals to align with the new mandate.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, reiterated this position via his official X account, stating: “All Phones must Be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”

Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified:

ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE OFF AND LANDING.

All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current… https://t.co/2ZfjbdO3eb

— Michael Achimugu (@mikeachimugu01) August 19, 2025

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This directive follows a high-profile incident on August 10, 2025, aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. A passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, reportedly refused to power off her mobile device before take-off, leading to a physical confrontation with the cabin crew. She was arrested, arraigned, and later released after legal proceedings and intervention by government authorities.

Aviation analysts point out that while global norms typically permit the use of airplane mode during flights, the NCAA’s decision reflects a more stringent safety-first policy. The Authority emphasized that the ban will remain in effect until a comprehensive regulatory review is completed to reflect technological advancements and safety considerations.

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Reactions from passengers have been mixed while some travelers expressed surprise at the sudden prohibition of airplane mode, others praised the NCAA’s resolve to enforce discipline and protect flight safety.

Airlines in Nigeria are now required to implement the directive in their safety briefings, train crew accordingly, and enforce strict compliance. Sanctions may be applied to both passengers and carriers in cases of non-compliance.

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As the new policy takes effect, industry stakeholders and travelers alike will be watching closely to see if and when the NCAA revises its stance to align more closely with global aviation standards.