Unruly Passenger Incidents Surge: Stakeholders Demand Stricter Enforcement and Updated Aviation Laws

Unruly passenger behavior is increasingly disrupting Nigeria’s air transport system, prompting urgent calls from industry stakeholders for stricter enforcement and amendments to existing aviation regulations.

Four major incidents have been reported so far in 2025—just eight months into the year—with both high-profile individuals and everyday travelers involved. This growing trend is now a serious concern for domestic airlines and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) alike.

High-Profile Disruptions

The first major incident this year occurred on January 8, when a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja refused to allow the plane to take off without her checked-in luggage, which had been offloaded due to weight restrictions. According to Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, the passenger’s actions delayed 89 others and led to the flight’s cancellation after airspace closure.

“Her actions ensured that 89 other passengers on board lost valuable time, money and opportunities,” Achimugu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The woman was charged in court, but no further updates on the case have been made public—a development that reflects broader frustrations about enforcement.

Other notable incidents include issues involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), both of whom allegedly breached aviation security protocols in recent months. Most recently, on August 10, Comfort Emmanson, 26, was involved in a public outburst aboard an Ibom Air flight to Lagos. The NCAA has since summoned both Emmanson and Juliana Edward, a cabin crew member involved in the episode—raising further debate over the agency’s approach.

Industry Calls for Reform

Stakeholders are now calling for immediate regulatory review, citing a lack of deterrent and inconsistent handling of offenders.

“Recurring cases of unruly behaviour mean that what we see in other countries’ aviation sectors is beginning to pop up here,” said Chris Aligbe, former General Manager of Public Affairs at Nigeria Airways.
“In the U.S., passengers have been fined as much as $88,000. If we are growing, we must update our laws to meet emerging realities.”

Aligbe warned against political interference, saying it undermines the NCAA’s credibility.

“Hearing that the ministry or the senate will investigate is illogical. There are laws, and the NCAA should be allowed to implement them.”

Legal Framework and Gaps

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 17.89.1, 2023) defines “unruly conduct” to include disobedience to crew instructions, fighting, smoking onboard, using electronic devices without approval, and actions endangering flight safety.

Despite these provisions, enforcement remains weak. Mohammed Badamosi, a retired Nigeria Airways pilot, believes the incidents reflect a broader cultural issue with rule enforcement.

“It looks like the attitude of Nigerians when it comes to transportation—disorder on the roads has now moved to the skies,” he told Saturday Vanguard.
“If someone blocks check-in in a civilised country, it’s ground rage and a crime. In some countries, that gets you handcuffed immediately.”

On the August 10 incident, Badamosi questioned the NCAA’s invitation to the crew:

“If they want to punish the cabin crew, then do it under the law. Why turn it into politics? This isn’t a court of law.”

IATA’s Global Perspective

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported 53,538 cases of unruly passenger incidents globally in 2024. To address the issue, it recommends a two-pillar approach:

1. Enhancing international legal deterrents, and
2. Better prevention and management.

IATA supports the adoption of on-the-spot civil penalties—already in use in countries like Singapore, Australia, and France—to impose swift consequences for minor offences, while reserving criminal prosecution for more serious infractions.

Time to Act

Stakeholders are united in their message: Nigeria must modernize its aviation laws and enforce them without bias. As Badamosi warned:

“What Wasiu did is equivalent to hijacking an aircraft. That should have earned him jail time in a civilised country. The whole thing looks like child’s play.”

The recent incidents have sparked a renewed debate, but whether the NCAA will rise to the occasion and assert authority without political interference remains to be seen.