- NCAA Cracks Down on In-Flight Device Use, Bans Flight Mode
- Najomo emphasized the authority’s commitment to enforcing stricter compliance by both airlines and passengers
- Najomo warned that the era of “business as usual” is over
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered that all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices be completely switched off during the critical phases of flight on all Nigerian airlines, effectively banning the use of airplane mode.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the new regulation was announced by NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a major change from the previously allowed practice of using devices in “flight mode.”
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“We’re going to do a lot of radio jingles, TV series… We’ll make sure that we take all these preambles of informing passengers… of their responsibilities,” Najomo said.
He emphasized the authority’s commitment to enforcing stricter compliance by both airlines and passengers.
The NCAA’s decision aims to strengthen aviation security and address the growing trend of “unruly” passenger behaviour, as noted by Comfort Emmanson.
Najomo warned that the era of “business as usual” is over and that the authority will conduct mock response exercises to test preparedness.
“We’re going to start checking that you would do the adequate training,” Najomo said, stressing that airlines will be required to provide “adequate training of conflict resolutions” for their staff.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, also highlighted the need for security personnel to handle unruly acts professionally and responsibly.
“This is global. In Nigeria, we are even more humane. In most cases abroad, even if you are cooperative, unruly behaviour is treated with extreme prejudice,” Achimugu explained.
Passengers are encouraged to channel complaints through the NCAA, which exists to protect their rights.
