NCAA Bans Use of ‘Flight Mode’, Orders Complete Phone Shutdown During Take-Off

The NCAA has banned “flight mode,” directing that all phones and devices be completely switched off during take-off and landing.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must now be completely switched off during take-off and landing, scrapping the widely accepted use of “flight mode.”

The directive was issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), at an Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders Meeting.

Najomo stressed that the new rule is compulsory for all Nigerian airlines and warned operators to update their operations manuals accordingly.

“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical phases of flight. There’s nothing like flight mode any longer. Nigerian air operators are required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCAA for approval,” he declared.

The DGCA further warned that the NCAA would no longer tolerate unruly behaviour from passengers or lapses from airline operators, stressing that a new era of discipline had begun in the aviation sector.

The meeting also addressed recent incidents of disorderly conduct by air travellers, including the high-profile cases involving Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) and Ms. Comfort Emmanson. Both were sanctioned by the NCAA, which said the individuals “may have learnt their lessons.”

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who also spoke at the meeting, blamed lack of discipline among both passengers and aviation workers for the rising trend of disruptive incidents. He urged strict compliance with existing rules and regulations.

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Meanwhile, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, confirmed ongoing investigations into the August 10 Ibom Air incident involving Ms. Emmanson and a cabin crew member. He noted that the authority would ensure full details were uncovered, stressing that passenger unruliness is a global issue, amplified by social media.

On the KWAM1 and ValueJet case of August 5, Achimugu revealed that sanctions have been enforced, adding:

“I’m very certain that KWAM1 and the pilots will never do what they did again. More people are now aware where they should take their complaints to. In 2024 alone, airlines recorded the highest refund ever in the history of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”

The NCAA assured stakeholders that passenger awareness campaigns, stricter monitoring, and improved compliance measures will continue to guarantee safety and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.