The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a sweeping new directive prohibiting the use of airplane (flight) mode on mobile devices during critical flight phases. Instead, passengers are now required to completely power down their phones and other portable electronic devices during take-off and landing.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced via X that:
“Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.” Airlines are instructed to update their security protocols accordingly.
The policy explicitly states: “No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”
The directive follows high-profile incidents, most notably, the incident involving Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger alleged to have refused to switch off her phone before take-off, leading to a violent confrontation aboard the flight.
The NCAA’s move appears aimed at eliminating any ambiguity over electronic device usage in critical flight stages and underscores its commitment to aviation safety standards.
