KOREDE DAMIFOGO
Aviation expert, Capt Muhammed Badamasi has said that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) lacks the power to ban a passenger indefinitely.
Capt. Badamasi stated this against the backdrop of a report that AON, an association of local Airlines in Nigeria, placed an indefinite ban on Ms Comfort Emmanson, over her unruly behaviour at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Sunday.
BUSINESSINSIDERNG reports that the Public Relations Officer of the association, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, said Ms Emmanson is banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life.
“We reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident, and we commend the airline for its swift and professional handling of this unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken,” Dr Okonkwo stated.
But, in a swift reaction, Capt. Badamasi, a chief pilot with the defunct Associated Airlines, said only regulatory authorities have the power to ban a passenger and not AON.
“AON has no power to ban any passenger. They, as individual airlines, can’t. It’s the responsibility of the regulatory authorities that have such power.
“AON is an association of airline owners and nothing else. They can approach the NCAA with their request on issues of violations and the actions to be taken,” he stated.