Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed an indefinite no-fly ban on Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger accused of violently assaulting crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The decision, announced by AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo on Monday, August 11, 2025, bars Emmanson from traveling with any AON member airline, domestically or internationally, for life.
According to the AON, the incident began when Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone use.
The situation escalated into a physical assault on Ibom Air crew members, with the passenger allegedly attempting to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk, the AON stated, describing the event as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behavior in 2025.
The AON praised Ibom Airs professional response to the incident on flight Q9 303 and fully endorsed the airlines actions against Emmanson.
AON also highlighted a troubling trend of passenger misconduct, citing recent incidents involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole with Air Peace staff.
Such incidents have become one too many, the AON noted, pointing to vulnerabilities in airport security protocols.
In response, the AON urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently review and strengthen security measures at airports nationwide.
The AON stands united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly airline passengers, the statement read.
It emphasized its commitment to protecting employees, passengers, and equipment while upholding the highest safety standards.
Going forward, anyone who exhibits such behaviour will suffer similar consequences, the AON warned, stressing that passengers must follow due process to address grievances.
