NCAA Orders Passengers to Switch Off Phones During Flights

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all air passengers in the country to switch off their mobile phones and other portable electronic devices during takeoff and landing, warning that “flight mode” will no longer be accepted.

The directive was announced in Abuja on Tuesday by NCAA Director-General, Chris Najomo, following the recent controversy involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and an Ibom Air flight attendant — an incident that has stirred widespread debate about passenger conduct and airline rules.

Najomo explained that the new regulation would harmonize procedures across Nigerian airlines and prevent confusion arising from different policies previously adopted by operators.

“As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical stages of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switch off. Nothing like flight mode any longer,” he declared.

He added that airlines are required to amend their operations manuals to reflect the change and submit them to the NCAA for approval.

Najomo emphasized that while the rule may be subject to future review as aircraft technology advances, it remains the duty of crew members to enforce the directive and the responsibility of passengers to comply.