The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all passengers to switch off their mobile phones during flights, particularly during critical stages such as takeoff and landing.
The decision followed recent incidents of unruly behaviour on flights, including a notable altercation between a passenger and an Ibom Air flight attendant.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NCAA Director General, Chris Najomo, said all phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of flight takeoff and landing in all airports in Nigeria.
The NCAA boss said this would further put a stop to different rules by airlines, which have caused some sort of confusion among passengers of late.
According to him, “As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones and other portable electric devices should be switched off during the critical stage of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switch off. Nothing like flight mode any longer.
“Nigerian air operators are therefore required to amend their operators’ manuals to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCAA for approval,” he said.
He further added, “we remain alert to future reviews of this requirement as aircraft technological enhancement improves.
“It remains the responsibility of the crew to communicate this requirement to the passengers and the responsibility of the passenger to comply with crew instructions. ”
