Aviation Safety: All air passengers must switch off phones at take-off, landing –NCAA

*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority summons Comfort Emmanson, and members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew, for questioning over a recent incident aboard an Uyo–Lagos flight

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following recent incidents in the significant industry, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a unified regulation, mandating that passengers on board aircraft must switch off all mobile phones and electronic devices during the critical phases of flights, take-off and landing at airports.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, disclosed this on Tuesday via his verified official X handle.

Achimugu explained the longstanding allowance for passengers to place devices in aeroplane mode during flights had been suspended until further regulatory reviews in accordance with evolving technological considerations.

The aviation sector regulatory agency, therefore, mandated all airlines operating in Nigeria to amend their security programmes to reflect the new policy henceforth.

The NCAA further stated: “Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.

“All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes. “No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”

Invitation to Ibom Air’s passenger Comfort Emmanson, crew members

In a related development, the NCAA has said it summoned a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew, for questioning over a recent incident aboard an Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10, 2025.

Reports had indicated viral videos showed Emmanson being dragged by airline staff during the flight, the situation which sparked outrage on social media and prompting called for accountability on the part of stakeholders.

Achimugu, in the circular equally confirmed that NCAA officials had spoken with Emmanson earlier Tuesday.

According to him, the she and the crew members involved in the shoddy show of shame aboard and at Lagos Airport are expected to appear before the Authority on Wednesday for further investigation.

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said: “I spoke with Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow (Wednesday).”

Achimugu as well noted that the pilot-in-command did not immediately call in security operatives after landing in Lagos, as the issue seemed to have been resolved before departure from Uyo. However, the matter resurfaced when Emmanson, who used the restroom after touchdown, became the last passenger to disembark.

He assured aviation stakeholders of transparency.

Achimugu said the NCAA would conduct a thorough probe to establish the facts and ensure fairness on the matter.

Meanwhile, Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Aviation, at a recent briefing with aviation stakeholders, also decried the increasing cases of unruly behaviour among air travellers, as well as lapses in professional conduct among aviation workers.

Abdulfatai urged all stakeholders to support the NCAA’s enforcement of standards to safeguard the industry, report said.