The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued a stern warning to air travellers after a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos assaulted an air hostess and disrupted operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Sunday.
In a viral video circulating on social media showed the woman, dressed in a white top and black trousers, angrily confronting airport officials and slapping an air hostess before police intervened.
This incident follows the NCAA’s recent six-month flying ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as KWAM1, who was suspended for misconduct at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on Sunday on X (Formerly Twitter) said the incident stemmed from the passenger’s refusal to follow crew instructions.
Achimugu emphasised the importance of following crew directives, urging passengers to cooperate fully for their own safety and that of everyone on board. He said, “When cabin crew ask you to turn off your phone before takeoff/landing, simply comply.”
Expressing frustration over how minor and routine requests sometimes escalate into confrontations, Achimugu stated, “I can’t understand why simple routine issues would lead to incidents like this.”
While acknowledging that passengers are entitled to certain rights, he stressed that they must also take responsibility for ensuring smooth boarding and in-flight procedures.
Achimugu addressed this often-overlooked balance, reminding the public that safe air travel depends on shared responsibilities.
He warned, “Passengers need to understand that they have responsibilities, not just rights.
“Will address this after more details become clearer by tomorrow.”
