NCAA Issues Stringent New Directive: Passengers Must Fully Power Down Phones During Takeoff and Landing

In a decisive move to standardize safety protocols and eliminate passenger confusion, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a sweeping new directive that effectively bans the use of ‘flight mode’ on all commercial flights operating within the country. The mandate requires all air travelers to completely switch off their mobile phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs) during the critical phases of flight: takeoff and landing.

A Unified Response to Inconsistent Airline Policies

The announcement, delivered by NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. The primary driver behind this policy is the growing confusion among passengers caused by a patchwork of differing rules enforced by various Nigerian airlines. While some carriers permitted devices to remain on in airplane mode, others had more restrictive policies, leading to uncertainty and occasional non-compliance.

“As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during the critical stage of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switch off—nothing like flight mode any longer,” Najomo stated emphatically, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

This move towards a single, unambiguous rule is designed to streamline the pre-flight safety process and ensure universal adherence from all passengers, regardless of which airline they are flying.

The Incident That Sparked a National Debate

The timing of this directive is no coincidence. It arrives in the immediate aftermath of a highly publicized and contentious altercation between a passenger, Mrs. Comfort Emmanson, and a flight attendant on an Ibom Air flight. The incident, which was widely reported and sparked heated debates across social media and traditional news outlets, centered on the enforcement of device usage rules.

While the NCAA’s investigation into that specific event is ongoing, the controversy highlighted the urgent need for a clear, nationwide standard. The public discourse revealed a deep-seated confusion among the flying public regarding what is permitted, what is required, and why these rules exist in the first place. The NCAA’s new directive is a direct response to this national conversation, aiming to draw a clear line in the sand.

Beyond Confusion: The Core Rationale of Safety

At its heart, the NCAA’s decision is rooted in the fundamental principle of aviation safety. The phases of takeoff and landing are statistically the most critical moments of any flight. During these periods, pilots require absolute concentration and unimpeded communication with air traffic control. The primary concern with electronic devices has always been the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) with critical aircraft navigation and communication systems.

While modern aircraft are designed and shielded to be increasingly resilient to such interference, the regulatory philosophy errs on the side of extreme caution. The risk, however minute, is deemed unacceptable when hundreds of lives are at stake. By mandating a complete power-down, the NCAA removes any potential, even theoretical, risk posed by a device that a passenger may have incorrectly set to airplane mode or that might malfunction.

Operational Implementation: What Airlines Must Do

The directive is not merely a suggestion for passengers; it carries the full weight of regulatory enforcement for airlines. Capt. Najomo has ordered all Nigerian air operators to immediately update their Safety Operating Manuals to reflect this new mandatory requirement. These revised manuals must then be submitted to the NCAA for official review and approval.

This process ensures that the rule is formally integrated into each airline’s standard operating procedures. It will become a part of cabin crew training and the pre-flight safety announcements heard by passengers before every departure. The responsibility for informing passengers of this rule falls squarely on the crew, but as Najomo noted, “travelers must also comply strictly for the safety of all on board.”

Passenger Responsibility and Compliance

The new rule places a clear onus on the traveling public. Compliance is not optional. Passengers are expected to power down all devices—including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and portable gaming consoles—and stow them securely before the aircraft begins its takeoff roll. They may only be switched back on after the plane has landed and is safely taxiing to the gate.

Non-compliance could potentially be treated as a violation of aviation security regulations, potentially leading to penalties. More importantly, it is a breach of a critical safety protocol designed to protect everyone on the aircraft.

A Policy for Today, With an Eye on Tomorrow

Director General Najomo was careful to note that this directive is not necessarily set in stone forever. He indicated that the policy remains open to future review as aircraft technology continues to evolve. As avionics become even more advanced and robust, the necessity for such stringent measures may be reassessed.

This forward-looking stance acknowledges the dynamic nature of aviation technology and regulation. For now, however, the NCAA has determined that a conservative, zero-tolerance approach is the safest course of action for the Nigerian aviation industry.

The Global Context

Nigeria’s move stands in contrast to the evolving regulations in many other parts of the world. Aviation authorities in the United States (FAA) and Europe (EASA) have largely liberalized their policies, allowing the use of devices in airplane mode throughout all phases of flight after extensive testing confirmed a low risk of interference on modern aircraft.

The NCAA’s decision therefore represents a more cautious path, prioritizing absolute safety assurance over passenger convenience. It underscores the authority’s autonomous regulatory power to set standards it deems most appropriate for its own airspace and operational environment.

Conclusion: Clarity and Safety Above All

The NCAA’s new directive to ban flight mode and require the complete shutdown of electronic devices is a significant development for millions of Nigerian air travelers. Born from a need to eliminate confusion and standardize safety practices, the rule reinforces the uncompromising priority of safety in aviation. While it may represent an inconvenience to some, the authority has made it clear that when it comes to the critical moments of flight, there is no room for ambiguity. The message is simple: for takeoff and landing, it’s not airplane mode—it’s off.

Full credit to the original publisher: Toscad News – https://toscadnews.com/19/08/2025/ncaa-bans-flight-mode-passengers-must-switch-off-phones-during-takeoff-landing-2/