ELDERLY PASSENGER DEPLANED AFTER REFUSING SEAT REASSIGNMENT, THREATENING FLIGHT ATTENDANT

ELDERLY PASSENGER DEPLANED AFTER REFUSING SEAT REASSIGNMENT, THREATENING FLIGHT ATTENDANT

By Aishat Momoh

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that an elderly passenger was removed from a flight on Wednesday after refusing to comply with a seat reassignment request and threatening a member of the cabin crew.

NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the incident in a post on his X handle, explaining that the passenger had been assigned a seat next to an emergency exit. For safety reasons, only individuals who meet specific physical and behavioural requirements are permitted to sit in exit rows, as they may be required to assist in an emergency.

According to Achimugu, the cabin crew requested that the passenger move to a different seat, but he refused despite being briefed on the safety regulations. Tensions escalated when the man allegedly threatened to slap a flight attendant on two occasions.

The pilot subsequently contacted airport security, including Air Force personnel stationed at the airport, as well as NCAA Consumer Protection Officers, who boarded the aircraft to de-escalate the situation.

“After discussions, the passenger was informed that, due to the threats made and his refusal to comply with safety protocols, the pilot had decided not to allow him to remain on the flight,” Achimugu said.

The passenger was escorted back to the terminal by security and NCAA officials. He later acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and agreed to cooperate. NCAA said he was scheduled to travel on a later flight the same evening.

The aviation authority stressed the importance of respect and cooperation between passengers and crew, noting that safety protocols must be adhered to at all times.

“Threats of violence against cabin crew are unacceptable. The safety and comfort of all passengers must be a shared priority,” Achimugu stated.

He urged dissatisfied passengers to lodge complaints through the NCAA Consumer Protection Department via **cpd.ncaa.gov.ng** rather than resorting to confrontation.