The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive banning the use of “flight mode” on mobile devices during flights, insisting that passengers must now completely switch off all electronic gadgets during critical phases of flight, including takeoff and landing.
Announcing the measures at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, the NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, declared: “There’s nothing like flight mode any longer. All devices must be switched off.”
Najomo said the directive marks the end of “business as usual,” as the Authority will enforce stricter compliance from both airlines and passengers. He disclosed that airlines have been directed to update their operations manuals to reflect the new policy.
The NCAA boss also unveiled plans for nationwide public awareness campaigns, including radio jingles and TV messages, to educate travelers on the rules. He warned unruly passengers that the Authority would take decisive action, stressing: “If you’re unruly, you’re unruly we’re waiting for you.”
Najomo added that airlines must provide enhanced training for their staff on conflict resolution, while NCAA teams would stage mock emergency response drills in Lagos and Abuja next week to test security readiness.
Supporting the announcement, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, acknowledged that unruly behavior can never be eliminated completely but must be managed “professionally and responsibly.” He reminded passengers to always channel complaints through the NCAA, noting: “This is the reason the Authority exists to protect passengers’ rights.”
