The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has expressed concern over the growing cases of unruly passenger behaviour at airports nationwide, warning that such conduct will no longer be tolerated.
In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN described disruptive behaviour as “entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation” and urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities as well as the FAAN Bye Laws.
The Authority said it will strictly enforce relevant sanctions as stipulated in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 17, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (particularly Part 17), and FAAN Bye Laws against any disruptive or threatening conduct within airport premises.
“Moving forward, the Authority will not hesitate to apply the full weight of applicable laws. We are also reviewing our protocols for restraining and prosecuting offenders in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and other relevant laws,” the statement read.
Referencing the recent incident involving a female passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, FAAN confirmed that while security personnel at Murtala Muhammed Airport’s Domestic Terminal 2 (MM2) initially managed the situation, its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team later took the suspect into custody and handed her over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation and prosecution.
FAAN urged all intending passengers to maintain civility, adhere to all airport and airline regulations, and respect aviation safety procedures, stressing that the safety, security, and comfort of airport users remain its top priority.
