NCAA Orders Airlines to Blacklist Unruly Passengers to Curb In-Flight Misconduct

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken a strong new stance on passenger misbehavior, directing all domestic airlines to begin blacklisting unruly passengers. The regulation aims to improve flight safety, protect airline staff, and strengthen passenger accountability across Nigeria’s skies.

At a meeting in Abuja with representatives from the country’s major domestic carriers—including Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik, Green Africa, Max Air, ValueJet, Rano Air, United Nigeria, Aero, and Overland—NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized that blacklisting must serve both as deterrent and corrective measure. He urged airlines to record and report incidents, treat staff with dignity, and refuse service to passengers who violate safety and conduct rules.

One of the new rules is that pilots must not take off until any unruly passenger is removed from the flight—or their issue resolved. In Achimugu’s words, no passenger has the right to assault or harass cabin crew. The NCAA stressed that airline staff deserve respect and that safety must not be compromised under any circumstances.

Among the reforms discussed were: enforcing stricter passenger-handling protocols; improving procedures for refunds and compensation; implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) baggage tags; introducing flight monitoring technologies; ensuring compliance with the newly emphasized rule that all phones must be completely powered off—not just switched to airplane mode—during take-off and landing; and better protection for airline and ground personnel.

The NCAA also raised concern about rising incidents in which passengers verbally and sometimes physically abuse check-in, cabin, and ground staff. Reports indicate that many of these cases stem from frustrations over flight delays, cancelled trips, poorly communicated schedules, mishandled baggage, or refund delays. These frustrations have sometimes boiled over into conduct that disrupts operations or compromises safety.

One recent incident that exemplified the problem involved a woman named Comfort Emmanson, removed from an Ibom Air flight during a journey from Uyo to Lagos. She allegedly refused to switch off her phone as required, ignored repeated instructions, and reportedly assaulted cabin crew members. Ibom Air then banned her from future flights. This case, among others, has increased calls for more rigorous enforcement of behavioural rules.

NCAA’s directive is being viewed as part of broader reforms aimed at improving travel experience for airline customers in Nigeria. The regulator said that blacklisting will not be arbitrary; airlines must provide proper incident reports, and there must be systems of accountability so that only truly violative behaviour results in blacklisting. In addition, passenger redress mechanisms must be accessible so that wrongly accused individuals can make their case.

Airlines present at the meeting expressed support for the move but also flagged challenges. They noted that staff often face abuse without protection; some staff reported fear for their safety. Airlines also called for improved airport infrastructure—especially at check-in, baggage claim, and waiting areas—because delays or breakdowns of equipment sometimes trigger frustration that can escalate. Airlines further urged better coordination with airports and regulatory bodies to handle disruptions, communicate effectively to passengers, and offer timely refunds when services are cancelled or delayed.

Under the new policy, airline staff will receive additional training in conflict resolution, passenger communication, and crisis management. NCAA also plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate and remind passengers of their rights and responsibilities. According to regulators, paying for a ticket does not entitle someone to violate rules of conduct or undermine safety for others onboard.

The enforcement measures are intended to bring Nigerian aviation in line with international practice. Globally, many aviation authorities require airlines to take responsibility for unruly passenger behavior, including refusing carriage, imposing bans, and fining or prosecuting passengers who endanger flights or crew. Nigerian authorities have referenced practices adopted by regulators elsewhere to support their moves.

Consumer advocate groups have welcomed the policy but also cautioned that fairness must be built into the system. Misbehavior should be clearly defined; evidence must be documented; there must be room for appeal. Some worry that without strong oversight, blacklisting might be misused or become a way to punish dissatisfied passengers rather than genuinely dangerous behavior.

For travellers, if properly implemented, this policy could reduce incidents of harassment or conflict during flights, improve flight reliability, and ensure smoother operations. Passengers are likely to enjoy a safer cabin environment and feel more secure about staff being protected. On the downside, some may view the rules as strict; ensuring communication is clear ahead of flights (about rules and prohibitions) will be crucial.

The NCAA says these reforms will take effect immediately, and airlines are expected to begin implementing them without delay. It is now up to carriers to collaborate with the regulator, maintain incident records, train staff, and enforce the new discipline measures.

As Nigeria’s aviation sector grows and passenger traffic rises, the regulator views the blacklisting policy as essential to maintaining standards, safety, and public confidence. With airports often under strain from high demand and varying levels of infrastructure, ensuring that safety and decorum are not sacrificed for expediency will be a test of the new rules.

 

If enforcement holds, the policy could mark a turning point for passenger conduct in Nigeria—where misbehavior and safety lapses have frequently made headlines. But the real success will be measured in fewer incidents, better crew protection, clearer communication, and stronger respect for rules by both passengers and airlines.