‘No More Airplane Mode’ — NCAA Orders Phones Be Switched Off During Take-Off

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during flight take-off and landing.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced the regulation in a post on X on Tuesday, following an emergency meeting with aviation stakeholders. He explained that rules regarding phones and other electronic devices on Nigerian flights have now been unified.

“All phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing,” Achimugu said. “All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes.” He added that the use of airplane mode is no longer permitted until regulations are reviewed to “reflect evolving technological situations.”

The directive comes after a recent air rage incident involving social media influencer Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. Videos widely circulated on X showed Emmanson physically confronting a flight attendant and clashing with airport security shortly before take-off.

Ibom Air stated the altercation began when the passenger allegedly refused to comply with standard safety procedures requiring phones to be switched off. Emmanson was initially arraigned and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility but was later released following the intervention of Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The NCAA said airlines must ensure passengers are fully aware of the regulation and comply strictly to maintain safety during critical flight phases.