The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban imposed on Comfort Emmanson following her clash with Ibom Air crew members on Flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, AON spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the decision came after the intervention of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and following Emmanson’s reported remorse, the withdrawal of complaints, and the striking out of charges against her.
The AON, while reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on unruly behaviour, urged relevant aviation agencies to sensitise passengers on the dangers and legal consequences of such conduct under the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
Behaviours classified as unruly include:
- Assault, intimidation, or threats against flight or cabin crew.
- Use of mobile devices or electronic gadgets in defiance of crew instructions.
- Smoking in prohibited areas.
- Fighting or disorderly conduct onboard or at airport terminals.
- Creating a nuisance to other passengers.
- Disobeying lawful instructions from aviation personnel.
- Endangering flight safety.
- Tampering with smoke detectors or aircraft equipment.
AON confirmed that its members will join upcoming retraining retreats for airline crew and aviation security on managing disruptive passengers.