The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a stern warning to passengers following a recent surge in unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports. In a press release dated August 11, 2025, the authority expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of misconduct, vowing to apply strict sanctions in line with aviation regulations.
“We wish to categorically state that such conduct is entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated,” said Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN. She urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the “Passengers Rights and Responsibilities, and Airlines’ Obligations” as outlined by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and FAAN’s Bye Laws.
The authority warned that it would not hesitate to enforce penalties under ICAO Annex 17, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 17), and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour. “Moving forward, relevant sanctions will be implemented to maintain order and safety,” Orah stated. FAAN is also reviewing its security protocols to strengthen the restraint and prosecution of offenders under the Airport Approved Security Programme.
The statement referenced a recent incident involving a passenger of Ibom Air, where FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC) team intervened, detained the individual, and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation. “While the situation was initially managed by security personnel at Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 (MM2), AVSEC ensured due process was followed,” Orah explained.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and security, urging travellers to “conduct themselves in a civil and orderly manner.” The authority emphasised that any acts of misconduct would be met with the “full weight of applicable laws and protocols.” With air travel demand rising, FAAN’s firm stance aims to curb disruptions and ensure a safe environment for all airport users.
Read full statement:
PRESS RELEASE 11th August, 2025 RECURRING INCIDENTS OF UNRULY PASSENGER BEHAVIOUR AT NIGERIAN AIRPORTS The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has noted with concern the increasing frequency of unruly behaviour by some passengers at our aiports. We wish to categorically state 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 is also reviewing its protocols around restraining and prosecuting of passengers in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and relevant laws. 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. FAAN once again 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. Mrs Obiageli Orah Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
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