NCAA Orders Airlines to Enforce Mandatory Phone Switch-Off During Take-Off, Landing

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive mandating all airlines operating in the country to ensure that passengers completely switch off their mobile phones during take-off and landing.

The directive was announced on Tuesday by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on his official X account.

According to the authority, the regulation on mobile phones and other electronic devices has now been unified across the aviation sector, compelling airlines to amend their security programmes accordingly.

“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,” Achimugu stated.

What the Directive Means

The new policy prohibits the use of airplane mode during take-off and landing, which were previously considered acceptable alternatives to switching off devices. Airlines are now required to update their operational and security manuals to reflect the new rule, ensuring stricter compliance during these critical phases of flight.

Background: Ibom Air Incident

The NCAA’s directive follows closely on the heels of a controversial incident involving a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, and Ibom Air.

• On August 10, Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her phone as instructed before take-off on an Uyo-to-Lagos flight. The situation escalated into a confrontation with the cabin crew and airline security upon landing.
• She was subsequently arrested and charged with unruly behaviour and assault. Ibom Air initially imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on her, sparking public outcry.
• After intervention from the Federal Government, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the ban was lifted. The decision followed appeals from stakeholders and expressions of remorse from the passenger.
• Legal experts had criticised Ibom Air’s move, arguing that only the NCAA has the authority to impose such sanctions nationwide.

The case was formally resolved last week when an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court struck out the matter following Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its complaint. Ms. Emmanson, who had been remanded at Kirikiri Prison, was discharged and released.

Industry Impact

With the NCAA’s new directive, all airlines are expected to enforce the same safety protocol, eliminating inconsistencies across carriers. The move is seen as part of ongoing efforts to enhance passenger discipline, strengthen safety procedures, and prevent similar controversies in the future.