According to him, preliminary findings suggest the incident began when the passenger declined to comply with safety instructions.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stated that the passenger who was forcibly removed from an Enugu Air flight in viral video allegedly refused to switch off his mobile phone.
FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Obiageli Orah, who disclosed this, however, noted that an investigation had been launched to unravel circumstances behind the incident.
According to him, preliminary findings suggest the incident began when the passenger declined to comply with safety instructions.
“So far, what we have gathered is that a passenger was meant to switch off his mobile phone but he refused to abide by that instruction,” Orah said.
“Other passengers also asked him to turn off his phone, and when he refused, security personnel on ground were alerted.”
The passenger’s non-compliance reportedly unsettled others on board, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft so security could deplane him.
“He became unruly and the pilot had to report the matter to the controller,” Orah added.
The incident comes just weeks after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reinforced its directive that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during take-off and landing.
This measure followed another air rage case involving a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
FAAN has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with Obiageli Orah stating, “Right now, we are still investigating to get the full information about what happened.” The authority will release full details once the investigation is complete.
The removal of the passenger was captured on video, which showed security operatives escorting him off the aircraft scheduled to depart Enugu for Lagos.
Other passengers reportedly joined in asking the man to turn off his phone, expressing discomfort with his non-compliance.
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