Advertisement
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intensified its campaign to curb aviation-related violence against airport staff and cabin crew, following recent disturbing incidents.
The regulatory body is ramping up awareness to protect aviation workers and reinforce safety across Nigeria’s airports.
The past few months have witnessed a surge in aviation-related violence against workers. From the Value Jet confrontation involving King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall to the Ibom Air case with Comfort Emmanson, these events highlight a troubling trend. As a result, regulators are tightening rules, including stricter enforcement on passenger mobile phone usage during flights.
Although unruly behavior is not unique to Nigeria, NCAA insists that the industry must not normalize such aviation-related violence.
The agency, therefore, launched a proactive passenger education drive, with officers enlightening travelers on the consequences of misconduct and the importance of eschewing aviation violence and respect for aviation staff. This campaign against aviation-related violence is not only new but one way to de-escalate this surge with information.
Director of Consumer Protection and Public Relations, Mr. Michael Achimugu, personally led the campaign at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. On his official X handle, he shared:
“Today, I led a team of NCAA Consumer Protection and Public Relations officers to educate passengers about the dangers of verbal and physical assault in terminals and aboard aircraft. This is to enable us to arrest the rising tide of violence in the industry.”
He explained that the sensitization drive will extend nationwide, stressing: “Cabin Crew Are Not The Enemy. They don’t make the rules. They ensure your safety and assist your journey.”
Achimugu further appealed for cooperation across the sector: “Be you passenger, cabin crew, or ground staff, we are all partners in this ecosystem, and we must not hurt one another.”
Industry stakeholders have welcomed this move against aviation-related violence, noting several advantages:
Improved passenger behavior: Awareness discourages aggression, reducing stress on ground staff and cabin crew.
Enhanced flight safety: Minimizing confrontations ensures smoother operations and quicker responses during emergencies.
Regulatory compliance: Educated passengers are more likely to respect aviation rules, reducing penalties and disruptions.
Better travel experience: Harmonious interactions improve Nigeria’s reputation for safe and reliable air travel.
Experts believe that addressing aviation-related violence is crucial to maintaining order in aviation. Similar campaigns by international regulators, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, have reduced unruly passenger incidents significantly.
For Nigeria, the NCAA’s move could restore discipline within terminals and in-flight operations.
By emphasizing respect and cooperation, the campaign against aviation-related violence seeks to protect both aviation professionals and the traveling public.
As global passenger numbers rise, so do tensions at airports. However, proactive measures like this ensure that aviation remains a secure and welcoming space.
NCAA’s stance sends a clear message: aviation-related violence will not be tolerated, and collaboration is key to a safe journey.
Advertisement
