Unruly behaviour: FAAN to review airport protocols

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says is reviewing its protocols of restraining and prosecuting unruly passengers in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and relevant laws.

Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, said the reviews is necessary in view of increasing frequency of unruly behaviour by some passengers at the nation’s airports.

The FAAN noted with concern the frequency of unruly behaviour by some passengers, stating categorically that such conduct is entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated.

“Passengers are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities, and Airlines’ Obligations as published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Bye Laws.

“Moving forward, the Authority will not hesitate to implement relevant sanctions as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17 , Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations especially Part 17 and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour within airport premises.

“FAAN urges all intending passengers to conduct themselves in a civil and orderly manner and to adhere to all established airport and airline regulations. The safety, security, and comfort of all airport users remain our top priority, and acts of inappropriate behaviour will be met with the full weight of applicable laws and protocols,” said Orah.

Regarding the recent incident involving a passenger on Ibom Air, while the situation was initially managed by security personnel at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 (MM2), the FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) team has since intervened, taken the individual into custody, and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.