ILUOLE IWENEKHA writes on the twin issues of unruly behaviors of some airline passengers, warning that if not severely sanctioned, the situation could cause reputation damage for the nation’s aviation industry
At Nigeria’s bustling airports, where every departure lounge should echo with the hum of engines and the murmur of orderly travellers, a different kind of turbulence is taking root. Like cracks in a polished runway, incidents of unruly passenger behaviour are beginning to mar the nation’s air travel scene—turning what should be smooth journeys into spectacles of embarrassment.
From verbal altercations that ripple through boarding queues to mid-air confrontations capable of grounding an entire flight, these disruptions are casting long shadows over the country’s aviation image.
The latest episode unfolded aboard an Ibom Air flight, where a female passenger identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson was accused of disruptive conduct, sparking heated exchanges that forced crew intervention and delayed operations.
Coming on the heels of similar disturbances reported by other carriers, the incident has reignited concerns among aviation stakeholders that such misconduct, if unchecked, could erode both operational safety and Nigeria’s hard-earned reputation as a regional aviation hub.
Video footage circulating on social media showed a heated exchange between her and the crew, drawing public attention and rekindling the conversation about rising incidents of passenger unruliness in the country’s airports and onboard flights.
The Ibom Air management swiftly issued a statement condemning the conduct, describing it as “unacceptable” and “in violation of standard aviation protocols.” The airline emphasized that such incidents pose not only safety risks but also undermine operational efficiency, particularly at a time when Nigerian carriers are struggling to improve on-time performance.
This was not an isolated episode. In recent months, airlines and regulators have been reporting a steady increase in cases of passengers verbally abusing staff, resisting security checks, or delaying flights through non-compliance with boarding rules.
Only a week earlier, the industry witnessed another high-profile incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1.
Eyewitness accounts and security sources alleged that the artist engaged in disorderly behavior, disrupting normal airport operations. Reports claimed that he verbally confronted security personnel after being asked to follow standard screening procedures.
While Kwam 1 has not publicly addressed the allegations, aviation authorities have neither denied nor confirmed whether disciplinary action would be taken against him. The incident trended widely on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern that celebrities sometimes flout airport rules without consequence.
Industry watchers say such incidents, whether involving an ordinary passenger or a high-profile personality, send the wrong signal about enforcement of rules in Nigeria’s aviation environment. “If people believe they can act out, insult staff, or obstruct boarding and still get on their flight without penalty, then we are normalising indiscipline,” said Captain Sani
Balogun, a retired commercial pilot and aviation safety consultant. “It’s not just about courtesy, it’s about safety. Every minute of delay and every distraction for the crew has implications for the entire flight operation.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines unruly passenger behavior to include physical or verbal confrontation, refusal to follow safety instructions, and any action that compromises the safety or comfort of others.
Globally, there has been a push for stricter penalties, with some countries enforcing lifetime bans, heavy fines, and even jail terms for offenders. In Nigeria, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has regulations that empower airlines to deny boarding to unruly passengers and impose sanctions, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Dr. Musa Adamu, a public policy and transport governance expert, told our correspondent that Nigeria’s challenge lies in the gap between regulation and enforcement. “The rules exist, but the follow-through is weak. When the offender is influential or connected, there’s often hesitation to apply the full weight of the law. This selective enforcement undermines both deterrence and public trust.”
Airline unions have also voiced frustration. Comrade Hassan Mohammed, spokesperson for the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), said staff are increasingly demoralized by the lack of consequences for abusive passengers. “Our members face insults, threats, and sometimes physical harassment, yet the offenders often walk away without punishment. This affects morale and could have serious safety consequences if staff become reluctant to enforce rules for fear of confrontation.”
Beyond immediate safety concerns, analysts warn that repeated episodes of unruly conduct, especially if publicized globally, could harm Nigeria’s image as a safe and orderly aviation hub. International carriers and business travelers pay close attention to operational discipline at destination airports. Frequent reports of airport disorder can dent investor confidence in the country’s transport infrastructure and governance systems.
If such behavior is not severely sanctioned, experts caution that the Nigerian aviation industry risks reputational damage that could affect tourism, foreign investment, and even bilateral air service negotiations.
“Aviation is global, and reputations spread quickly,” said Captain Balogun. “If foreign airlines think Nigerian airports are places where chaos is tolerated, they may increase risk premiums, adjust their schedules, or become more reluctant to expand service.”
This reputational risk is compounded by the fact that Nigeria is working hard to position itself as West Africa’s leading aviation hub, with significant investments in airport upgrades and carrier partnerships. Any perception that security or operational discipline is lax could undermine these efforts, negating the millions of dollars spent on infrastructure.
The NCAA has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive passengers, urging airlines to report all cases and assuring that offenders will face sanctions ranging from fines to outright bans.
But as several industry players pointed out, the effectiveness of such policies depends on their consistent application, regardless of the offender’s status. “The day we see a celebrity offloaded from a flight or barred from an airport for unruly conduct will be the day the public starts taking these rules seriously,” Dr. Adamu noted.
In the meantime, stakeholders are calling for a multi-pronged approach to tackling the problem. This would involve better passenger education on rights and responsibilities, visible enforcement actions at airports, and strengthened cooperation between airlines, security agencies, and regulators.
Some also suggest that Nigeria consider adopting IATA’s recommended framework for handling unruly passengers, which emphasizes both preventive measures and swift punitive actions.
For Ibom Air, the incident with Ms. Emmanson is a stark reminder of the operational and reputational hazards that unruly passengers pose. For the wider aviation sector, the back-to-back episodes—first with the celebrity at Abuja Airport, then with the disruptive passenger on a domestic flight—underscore the urgent need for decisive action.
The question now is whether Nigeria’s aviation authorities will seize this moment to make an example of offenders, or allow the cycle of disorder and leniency to continue.
As Captain Balogun put it bluntly: “Air travel operates on discipline, precision, and respect for rules. The moment we start treating airports like motor parks, we lose more than just punctuality, we lose credibility in the eyes of the world.”
Indeed, the financial implications for airlines are significant. Disruptions can cause delays, force aircraft returns, or even lead to flight cancellations. These translate into lost revenue, increased operating costs, and strained relationships with other passengers.
In extreme cases, they can also expose airlines to lawsuits or regulatory penalties. For international carriers operating in Nigeria, such incidents risk reinforcing stereotypes of chaos and poor discipline, potentially influencing route and investment decisions.
If not severely sanctioned, experts warn, the situation could cause serious reputational damage for the nation’s aviation industry. Airports are not just transit points, they are the first and last impressions of a country for visitors.
Every publicised case of passenger misconduct, especially involving celebrities or influential figures, reverberates beyond local news, often making international headlines. In a competitive global tourism and investment market, such stories can quietly erode confidence in a country’s business environment and governance standards.
