After KWAM1, Emmanson the NCAA incident told the airline to black passengers

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed domestic airlines to the Black List of passengers that are difficult to regulate as part of the steps to protect the airline staff and maintain order in the aviation sector.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said that the direction was one of the several regulatory issues discussed with the airline operator.

Things discussed at the meeting include disturbing passenger behavior, passenger handling protocols, unfinished returns and compensation, which are planned for the adoption of the RFID baggage label and aviation monitoring technology, enforcement of mobile limiting on flight, and maintaining cabin crew.

The airlines present in the session include Arik Air, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria, Green Africa, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, Air Peace, and Overland Airways.

Achimugu expressed concern that even though there were repeated reports of violations, many airlines were doubtful to impose sanctions on disturbing passengers. He warned that tolerance for unjusting behavior is to damage the safety and morals of staff.

“Passengers are often fixated on their rights but ignore their responsibilities. Paying services does not give anyone to attack or intimidate staff. We must protect airline workers while ensuring that customers receive world-class services,” he said.

He urged passengers to submit complaints through NCAA rather than using violence, emphasizing that airline employees deserve to get dignity and respect.

Also speaking, Ifueko Abdulmalik, a senior special assistant for the Director General of Civil Aviation, condemned the increase in the frequency of flight rescheduling without proper notice and delay in processing refunds. He reminded their obligation operators to provide immediate assistance in short trunk cases and to comply with regulations regarding timely refunds for cancellation.

The airline representative at the meeting highlighted the frequent abuse directed at the check-in staff and called for stronger protection steps. They also raised concerns over poor airport infrastructure under the management of the Federal Nigerian airport authority (FAAN), which they believe to contribute to delay and increase passenger frustration.

In response, NCAA promises to collaborate closer to airlines to enforce passenger protection rules and increase service provision. Authority also promised to intensify public education about the rights and responsibilities of passengers.

The meeting followed a report on the increase in behavioral incidents that could not be regulated at large airports, including attacks on airline staff during flight delays and cancellation in Lagos and Abuja. Industrial stakeholders have warned that the incident threatened flight safety and disrupted operations, underlines the need for intervention of company regulations.

Recently, two incidents were recorded in the aviation industry where passengers confronted with their airlines and staff. In the first, the popular Fuji musician, Raja Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) was caught in a video in faceoff with airline staff. He then stood in front of the plane prevented him off, after he was stopped from rising due to unregulated behavior.

In another incident shortly after that, a woman, Comfort Emmanson on a flight from Uyo to Lagos made a confrontation with flight crew due to disagreement about her cellphone.

Emmanson accused him of being attacked and stripped, while Ibom Air claimed he was uncomfortable, attacked a crew member while landing, and attacking security personnel.