AON lifts ban on Ibom Air passenger

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban previously placed on a passenger on Ibom Air flight, Comfort Emmanson.

AON announced this in a statement issued by its spokesman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The ban was imposed on Emmanson after an unruly incident on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, to Lagos on Sunday, August 10.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in a statement on Wednesday, said the AON had agreed to lift the ban on the passenger.

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Okonkwo, however, stated that the AON considered several factors in its decision, including Emmanson’s reported remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint by the airline, and the subsequent dismissal of charges against her.

The AON, while emphasising its zero-tolerance policy for unruly passenger behaviour, urged aviation agencies to launch a public awareness campaign.

The campaign, according to the operators, would focus on educating the public about the dangers of such conduct, which includes assaulting crew members, smoking, and disobeying lawful instructions.

The AON noted that these actions are considered offences under the Civil Aviation Act and are punishable by law.

The AON added that its members will cooperate with the Ministry of Aviation’s proposal to retrain airline and security personnel on how to handle disruptive passengers.

The Star