The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed domestic airlines to place unruly passengers on a blacklist as part of broader measures aimed at improving air travel and safeguarding airline workers. The directive, according to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Achimugu explained that the move is intended to serve as a deterrent to disruptive behaviour while ensuring that airline staff particularly cabin and ground crew are protected from harassment and abuse. He noted that airlines have often hesitated to take strong action against passengers despite repeated incidents of assault and misconduct.
“Passengers are quick to emphasise their rights but often neglect their responsibilities,” Achimugu said. “We are committed to educating the public to change this trend. Airline staff must be treated with dignity and respect. Paying for a ticket does not give anyone the right to be unruly or abusive.”
The directive emerged from a regulatory meeting between the NCAA and representatives of major domestic airlines, including Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria, Max Air, Green Africa, ValueJet, Overland Airways, and Rano Air. Discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of issues: unruly passenger behaviour, unresolved refunds and compensation claims, passenger handling protocols, protection of cabin crew, the planned rollout of RFID bag tags and flight monitoring technology, and the enforcement of in-flight phone switch-off rules.
Achimugu urged passengers with complaints to channel them through the NCAA rather than resort to violent confrontations. While assuring airlines of the Authority’s support, he also stressed that operators must meet their obligations to customers, particularly given the high cost of airfares.
Speaking at the same event, Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General of Civil Aviation, criticised the practice of rescheduling flights without proper notice to passengers. She highlighted the rise in complaints about delayed refunds for cancelled flights and emphasised the need for immediate compensation in line with regulations. Abdulmalik also called for strict adherence to rules requiring airlines to provide prompt relief to passengers whose baggage is short-landed.
Airline representatives at the meeting raised concerns about increasing cases of abuse directed at check-in staff, stressing the urgent need for stronger protection measures. They also complained about deteriorating airport facilities under the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which they argued contribute to tensions between passengers and staff during travel disruptions.
In response, the NCAA pledged to intensify collaboration with airlines to enforce consumer protection regulations and improve customer service. Achimugu stated that the Authority would increase public awareness campaigns to balance passenger rights with responsibilities, while ensuring frontline airline staff are shielded from harassment.
The NCAA’s announcement comes against the backdrop of a rise in disruptive incidents at major airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, where assaults on staff during delays and cancellations have become more frequent. Industry stakeholders warn that such behaviour threatens safety, demoralises employees, and disrupts operations.
By ordering the blacklisting of unruly passengers, the NCAA has signalled a firm stance on protecting aviation workers and restoring order in Nigeria’s air travel sector.
