Shocking Reason Your Phone’s Flight Mode is Critical – Najomo

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assengers must switch off completely or use flight mode for safety. Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo gave this strong caution.

Switching off devices is not optional for travelers. This action is critical for flight safety, he said. Read More: Ensuring Flight Safety

This strong warning to passengers on the critical importance of obeying airline instructions on the use of mobile devices. He stressed that leaving multiple phones transmitting instead of switching to flight mode could disrupt sensitive navigational systems, especially during landing approaches. Explore NCARs

Why You Can’t Ignore Flight mode

Najomo explained that a phone in flight mode does not transmit signals, and compliance with airline instructions is non-negotiable.

Najomo made this known at an emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee meeting open to stakeholders to deal with recent unruly passenger behaviours.

He said when dozens of phones transmit simultaneously, the combined interference can affect an aircraft’s instruments during approach.

“If your phone is in flight mode, it means it is not transmitting. If some airlines say switch off, then switch off. The reason is because transmission from 10, 20, or 30 phones may affect navigational systems.”

“Assuming an aircraft is going on a landing approach, the instruments might be affected. In essence, flight mode means it is off. This is beyond switching off; it is an issue of compliance,” Najomo stated.

He linked compliance with electronic device rules to a wider push for training, retraining and continuous training in aviation safety and security.

Training and Enforcement are Key

Najomo stressed that the industry already has guiding documents like the Civil Aviation Act, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), and operations manuals of service providers.

However, these alone cannot guarantee safety without strict enforcement.

“Documenting rules is the first step. The challenge is implementation.

That is why we are meeting today to share experiences and enhance awareness of rules that prevent or contain unruly acts,” he said.

He commended the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for showing leadership in recent industry crises. He also noted that the National Assembly has pressed stakeholders to live up to their responsibilities.

The Goal of the Stakeholders’ Meeting

Speaking further at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee meeting, Najomo said the engagement was designed to strengthen security across the aviation ecosystem.

He identified the regulator, airlines, airspace managers, airport security, and the travelling public as critical stakeholders.

He emphasized:

“The safety of our aviation system is the safety of our nation. The outcomes of this meeting must lead to immediate enforcement of protocols, restoration of public confidence, and closing of vulnerabilities.”

Najomo urged participants to make honest contributions that would produce actionable and practical outcomes.

Senate Committee Aligns with NCAA DG

Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Peter Nwebonyi Gia, echoed Najomo’s call for enforcement and professionalism.

He insisted that every aviation worker, irrespective of employment channel, must accept responsibility for safety and service.

He underscored the importance of capacity building through training and retraining, citing his travel experience in Kigali where airport staff displayed professionalism that contrasted with Nigerian practices.

“We already have enough rules and regulations. What is left is executing them to the best of our ability in a professional manner,” Gia said.

Restoring Public Confidence

Gia commended the NCAA DG for efforts so far but urged consistent enforcement.

Both leaders agreed that public confidence can only be restored when personnel capacity improves, existing security gaps are closed, and operational rules are enforced without compromise.

By emphasising compliance with flight mode and other safety rules, alongside training and retraining of personnel, Nigeria’s aviation sector can strengthen safety, reduce risks, and boost passenger confidence.