The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed pilots not to board unruly passengers.
Speaking during a meeting with domestic airline Operators in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said the decision would strengthen safety and discipline in the aviation sector.
He stated that pilots would only be allowed to fly after the issues are resolved amicably or the unruly passengers are removed by security from the aircraft.
“Pilots must not fly the plane until unruly passengers are removed from the aircraft by security or the issue is resolved amicably. This will go a long way to protect cabin crew and make passengers treat them with courtesy.
“Cases are overblown because the pilots in command did not take charge. Going forward, no passenger has the right to touch any cabin crew.”
The Director however, warned cabin crew to be professional in discharging their duties.
“Cabin crew should not be rude and passengers should not misconstrue firmness of cabin crew as rudeness,” he said.
Airlines present at the meeting include; Arik, Ibom, Aero, United Nigeria, Green Africa, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, Air Peace, and Overland.