ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive mandating all passengers to completely switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing, ending the long-standing allowance of airplane mode.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, announced the regulation in a post on X on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following an emergency meeting with aviation stakeholders.
“All phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing,” Achimugu stated.
He added that all airlines must immediately update their security programmes to align with the directive.
The agency said the use of airplane mode would no longer be accepted until the rules were reviewed to “reflect evolving technological situations.”
The decision comes in the wake of a violent incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Passenger Comfort Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off, sparking an altercation with a flight attendant that escalated into physical assault.
Videos of the confrontation, showing her clashing with cabin crew and airport security, went viral on X.
Emmanson was arraigned and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, but later regained freedom following the intervention of Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development.
The NCAA said the move was necessary to reinforce safety compliance and prevent distractions to crew and passengers during critical flight phases.
Airline operators and passengers are expected to begin implementing the rule immediately, with enforcement left to airline security programmes and cabin crew.
