The National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken legal action against a passenger who caused a major disruption aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja earlier this week.
The flight, scheduled to carry 100 passengers, including the crew, was cancelled due to the passenger’s actions, as revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu.
The passenger, whose unruly actions led to the cancellation of the flight and a scheduling nightmare for the airline, is now facing prosecution.
The incident occurred on January 8, 2025, when the passenger, who had checked in with luggage exceeding the allowed weight limit, became infuriated upon discovering that her bags were not loaded onto the aircraft.
Despite being informed at check-in about the possibility of luggage delays due to weight restrictions, she demanded that the flight not depart unless her bag was included.
Ibom Air staff, along with airport security personnel, attempted to resolve the situation, but the passenger remained obstinate, blocking the aisle and refusing to leave the aircraft.
The delay ultimately caused the flight to miss its departure window as Uyo’s airspace closed for the evening, resulting in the cancellation of the flight. This led to significant inconvenience for the 89 other passengers, including a chef who was traveling to Abuja for work and an infant.
The situation quickly escalated as other passengers grew increasingly frustrated.
According to Achimugu, tensions reached a boiling point, and it took the timely intervention of Ibom Air staff, led by Amaka Echetabu, to prevent a potential lynching of the passenger.
“The pilot even offered to carry her checked-in bag in the cabin, but the size was unsuitable. Uyo is a sunset airport, and the airspace was due to close, making timely departure critical. Despite this, the passenger refused to cooperate.”
“At one point, the woman re-entered the cabin to retrieve her handbag but instead blocked the aisle, continuing her protest. Among the other 89 passengers were an infant and a chef traveling to fulfil a professional engagement in Abuja.
“The situation escalated when the airspace eventually closed, forcing the flight’s cancellation. Passengers, visibly enraged, charged at the woman, but swift intervention by AVSEC officials and Ibom Air personnel, led by Amaka Echetabu, prevented violence.
“Had Aviation Security not acted promptly, the unruly passenger might have been lynched. Their timely response saved her life,” Achimugu noted.
Airline personnel and security managed to de-escalate the situation, saving the passenger from harm.
Ibom Air was forced to provide immediate refreshments, transport, and hotel accommodations for the stranded passengers, incurring substantial additional costs. The cancellation also created a scheduling challenge for the airline, which will take days to resolve.
Video credit: @Michael Achimugu
In a statement, the NCAA condemned the passenger’s behaviour, stating that such actions are not only disruptive but could potentially be classified as terrorism under aviation law.
The authority highlighted that violence or interference with flight operations is a serious offence, with severe consequences for those involved.
The NCAA also reiterated that passengers are advised to adhere to flight regulations, including those concerning luggage weight limits. The authority is continuing its efforts to educate stakeholders about the risks and penalties associated with unruly behaviour at airports.
The irate passenger, who previously had a bad experience with delayed luggage, is now facing legal action.
Ibom Air has confirmed that the airline acted by aviation regulations, ensuring all passengers were informed and compensated for the inconvenience caused.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining order and respecting aviation protocols for the safety and well-being of all passengers and staff.
