In a bold move to curb the rising menace of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports, the aviation authorities have revealed plans to establish mobile courts within major terminals. These mobile courts will offer immediate trial for passengers who disrupt services, abuse airline staff, or cause damage to airport facilities. The initiative comes in response to mounting complaints of violence and aggression from passengers, particularly during times of flight delays and cancellations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have both condemned the rise in violent acts that have put airline staff and fellow passengers at risk. These acts often occur during flight disruptions, when passengers, frustrated by delays or cancellations, lash out at airline employees or damage critical airport infrastructure.
A Necessary Response to Growing Aggression
Flight disruptions, especially during the ongoing harmattan season, have exacerbated tensions at Nigerian airports. Passengers are increasingly agitated when faced with long delays, particularly at “sunset airports”—airports that operate between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. due to a lack of night flying facilities. Passengers at these airports often face cancellations when flights arrive after sunset, leading to overcrowded terminals and, in some cases, violent confrontations.
Addressing these concerns, the authorities have now decided to extend operational hours at sunset airports to 10:00 p.m., aiming to reduce the frequency of cancellations and ease the pressure on passengers.
“We are taking a multi-faceted approach to improve the aviation experience in Nigeria. This includes not just the extension of airport operational hours but also strict measures to ensure that any form of violence or misconduct from passengers is dealt with swiftly,” said Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NCAA in Lagos.
The Introduction of Mobile Courts
The most groundbreaking aspect of the new strategy is the introduction of mobile courts, designed to give unruly passengers swift justice. In the past, agitated passengers who resorted to violence against airport personnel would face lengthy legal processes. Now, airport authorities hope that the new mobile courts will provide a quick and efficient means of prosecution, sending a clear message that violent behavior will not be tolerated.
“We cannot allow our workers to be assaulted or our facilities to be destroyed,” said Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. “The mobile courts will serve as a deterrent, ensuring that unruly behavior is punished immediately, without delays in the legal process.”
The mobile courts will be set up within the airports themselves, ensuring that trials take place within hours of the incident. Passengers who disrupt operations, either through physical violence or other forms of aggression, will be tried on the spot, with sentences delivered swiftly.
“We expect these courts to bring some order back to the system and act as a deterrent to future incidents,” added Achimugu. “It is vital that we restore order and ensure the safety of both passengers and airline staff.”
Addressing Flight Disruptions
Along with the mobile courts, other measures are being introduced to tackle the root causes of flight disruptions, such as weather-related delays and logistical inefficiencies. The meeting saw discussions on optimizing flight schedules, trimming excessive flight operations, and ensuring airlines maintain adequate standby aircraft in case of emergencies.
“Passengers must be kept informed at all times, particularly during disruptions,” said Allen Onyema, the Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and CEO of Air Peace. “Weather-related disruptions are unavoidable at times, but airlines must provide care, refreshments, and accommodation where necessary. The goal is to make sure that passengers feel supported, even in the face of delays.”
Onyema also emphasized the need for transparency in handling luggage-related issues. Passengers must be properly informed if their luggage is removed from the aircraft due to space or weight limitations, and compensation for lost or damaged luggage must be handled promptly.
Ensuring Effective Collaboration Across Stakeholders
The stakeholders’ meeting also underscored the importance of collaboration between various aviation bodies. A key topic of discussion was the need for better coordination between the NCAA, FAAN, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). By working together more closely, these agencies hope to reduce the impact of weather on flight schedules and improve the overall efficiency of airport operations.
“The aim is to provide a seamless experience for passengers, from check-in to takeoff,” explained Onyema. “We also need to ensure that airlines, airports, and ground handling companies work together effectively to reduce the occurrence of problems.”
Additionally, the NCAA has promised to work with local communities near airports to address environmental concerns, particularly waste management, which contributes to bird strikes—a significant hazard for aircraft. Unauthorized access to airport tarmacs will also be strictly enforced, with tighter security measures put in place to prevent security breaches.
A Call for Responsible Reporting
During the meeting, airlines raised concerns about the negative media portrayals of the aviation sector, particularly when it comes to reporting on disruptions. They urged the media to be more responsible in their coverage of the industry.
“We need the media to understand the complexities of aviation operations,” said Onyema. “Not every delay or issue is within our control, and when we do our best to manage the situation, we should not be defamed for it. Responsible reporting will go a long way in improving public perception and trust in the aviation industry.”
Future Measures and Long-Term Solutions
While the immediate focus is on curbing passenger violence and improving flight scheduling, the authorities have also outlined long-term measures to further enhance the passenger experience. This includes continuous public sensitization campaigns aimed at educating travelers about their rights and responsibilities. As part of this, the NCAA and FAAN will jointly launch awareness programs to combat unruly behavior, focusing on mutual respect between passengers and airline staff.
“We believe that by educating the public and enforcing stricter measures, we can restore peace to our airports,” said Achimugu.
