In a new directive, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a ban on the use of “airplane mode” on mobile phones during flights. Passengers are now required to completely switch off their devices during the critical phases of take-off and landing.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, via a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
He stated that the agency has unified its regulations on the use of electronic devices onboard aircraft in Nigeria.
“During the critical phases of flight take-off and landing all phones must be switched off,” Achimugu’s statement read. He added that all airlines operating in Nigeria must update their security programs to comply with the new rule.
According to the director, the use of airplane mode will remain suspended pending a future review of the regulation to “reflect evolving technological situations.”
This new directive comes after an emergency meeting with aviation stakeholders and follows a recent “air rage” incident involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of unruly behavior on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
