Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has formally lifted the no-flight ban initially imposed on Ibom Airline passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, over unruly and violent conduct on the aircraft the the weekend.
The operators, in a statement by their Public Relations Officer, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the lifting of the ban was necessitated by the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The AON spokesman said the association considered all the circumstances of the matter, including the exhibition of remorse for her behaviour as reported, the withdrawal of the criminal complaint and consequent striking out of the charges against her, and her release from custody.
He further attributed the statement of the Federal Government that it takes aviation safety and security very seriously, and the decision to draw a line after these clemencies, and the proposed retreat to retrain AVSEC personnel and airline crew on the handling of unruly and disruptive passengers, also formed part of the reason for rescinding the ban.
Okonkwo, who is also the chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, noted that the airlines believed that incidents of unruly and disruptive behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft would greatly reduce if passengers are aware that such behaviour poses a danger to flight safety and is an offence under the law, punishable with a fine or imprisonment or both.
“What constitutes unruly behaviour in aviation includes assault, intimidation, or threatening any flight or cabin crew member. Using a mobile phone and/or other communication/electronic gadget on board aircraft against the instruction of the Pilot-in-Command or flight crew or cabin crew; smoking on board aircraft or in a non-smoking area of the terminal building.
“Others are fighting or other disorderly conduct on board an aircraft or at the terminal building; any conduct constituting a nuisance to other passengers; disobedience of lawful instruction issued by the pilot-in-command, flight crew, cabin crew, check-in-staff and/or security screening staff; any conduct that endangers the safety of flight operations,” Okonkwo stated.
“All expenses, including flight tickets, accommodation in a five-star hotel, and tour costs, will be fully covered,” Ossai wrote.
The governor’s aide explained that the trip was aimed at helping Emmanson relax after her ordeal, adding, “I’d like to extend an invitation for her to visit Delta State and unwind after her release from Kirikiri prison. She won’t be disappointed as I will be giving her a good time.”
Ossai also urged anyone in contact with Emmanson to ask her to reach out to him directly on Instagram.
Emmanson was discharged by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Wednesday after Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against her, which included allegations of disrupting peace on an Ibom Air flight and assaulting a crew member.
Her release came after the complainant and the airline withdrew interest in pursuing the case, acting on a directive from the police.
Emmanson has since expressed gratitude to her supporters but noted she was still in pain from her detention, saying she would rest and seek medical treatment before narrating her side of the story.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier placed her on a no-fly list but the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority clarified that the sanction was the airline’s decision and could be reviewed.
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