By Onilede Titi Faith
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has ordered all passengers on Nigerian airlines to completely switch off mobile phones and other electronic devices during take-off and landing, abolishing the use of “flight mode.”
The directive was announced Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, at a one-day Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders’ Meeting.
Najomo said all airlines must immediately update their operations manuals to reflect the new rule, warning that NCAA inspectors would monitor compliance.
“All mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical phases of flight. There’s nothing like flight mode any longer,” he stressed.
The DG also unveiled tougher sanctions for unruly passengers, citing recent disruptive incidents at airports and onboard flights.
He cautioned that indiscipline among passengers, crew, and airport staff could erode public trust in the aviation sector.
The NCAA plans to launch radio and television campaigns to educate travelers, while airlines are expected to strengthen staff training.
Supporting the new measures, Senate Aviation Committee Chairman Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai blamed rising passenger misconduct on poor discipline and urged strict enforcement of aviation rules.
Meanwhile, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the authority is investigating two recent high-profile cases: the August 10 Ibom Air incident involving passenger Comfort Emmanson, and the August 5 altercation between Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM1) and ValueJet.
He said both passengers and airlines involved had been sanctioned, adding that such cases highlight the need for stricter discipline.
Achimugu noted that unruly passenger behavior is a global trend, amplified by social media, but insisted that the NCAA had strengthened consumer protection, recording its highest volume of airline refunds in 2024.
