Nigerian Air Rules and Regulations You Should Know 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has advised air travellers to comply with established airport and airline regulations, emphasising that the safety, security, and comfort of all airport users remain its top priority.

FAAN also encouraged passengers to familiarise themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities and Airlines’ Obligations as published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), along with the FAAN Bye-Laws.

This advisory follows the assault of a ValueJet pilot by Nigerian musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam1, and another incident involving a female passenger, identified as either Comfort Emmanson or Comfort Bob, an Ibom Air hostess, and airport security officials.

For Kwam1’s case, he was prohibited from boarding the plane, and this led to him assaulting the pilot, while for Ms. Emmanson, refusal to switch off her mobile phone when instructed, as required under standard aviation safety procedures, caused the altercation.

What Are The NCAA Passenger Rules

For genuinely aggrieved passengers, there are clearly defined legal channels for lodging complaints; taking the law into one’s own hands could lead to serious consequences. NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, outlined some of the offences under aviation regulations:

• Smoking inside an aircraft or in non-smoking areas of the terminal building.
• Using mobile phones or other communication/electronic devices in the aircraft without the pilot’s approval.
• Fighting or engaging in disorderly conduct on board or in the terminal.
• Any behaviour that constitutes a nuisance to other passengers.
• Disobeying lawful instructions from the pilot, crew, check-in staff, or security personnel.
• Any act that endangers, or is likely to endanger, flight safety.
• Tampering with smoke detectors or other aircraft equipment.
• Carrying weapons, prohibited items, or dangerous devices without authorisation.
• Entering security-restricted or sterile areas without clearance.
• Taking photos or videos in restricted areas of the airport.

What Are Prohibited Items?

Passengers are not permitted to carry certain restricted items, including sharp objects, flammable liquids, and specific electronics. These will be seized by security.

The regulations empower the aircraft commander or airport authority to take necessary measures, including restraining a passenger, if they engage in disruptive behaviour on board or within the terminal.

What Are The NCAA Offences and Penalties?

NCAA has reviewed and set the maximum civil penalty for airline regulatory violations at ₦10 million, while the minimum stands at ₦1 million.  On board an aircraft or in the terminal, penalties may include

• Operating a portable electronic device against crew instructions – Maximum civil penalty.
• Consuming alcoholic beverages not served by the airline – Maximum civil penalty.
• Interfering with crew members – Maximum civil penalty.
• Physically assaulting or threatening crew members – Minimum to maximum civil penalty and/or criminal charges.
• Physically assaulting or threatening non-crew individuals – Minimum to maximum civil penalty and/or criminal charges.
• Posing an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or individuals on board – Minimum to maximum civil penalty and/or criminal charges.
• Smoking in designated ‘No Smoking’ areas – Maximum civil penalty.
• Smoking in an aircraft lavatory – Maximum civil penalty.
• Tampering with smoke detectors – Minimum to maximum civil penalty and/or criminal charges.
• Refusing to fasten seat belts when the sign is on – Minimum to moderate civil penalty.