KEY POINTS

• Airline operators rescinded Ms. Emmanson’s lifetime ban.

• Decision followed Minister Keyamo’s intervention.

• AON vows to maintain zero tolerance for misconduct.

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has overturned its lifetime ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10.

The decision, announced Wednesday, follows a direct appeal from Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo for leniency.

AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said the group weighed Emmanson’s remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, and the striking out of charges before agreeing to lift the ban.

Decision followed minister’s intervention

“Having considered all the circumstances, our members resolved to lift the ban in the spirit of drawing a line under the matter while upholding our commitment to safety and order,” Okonkwo said.

He stressed that the move does not relax industry discipline. “We maintain zero tolerance for unruly passenger conduct. Any future infraction will attract decisive sanctions,” he also warned.

Eyewitness says incident was avoidable

Passenger David Ogede, seated across from Emmanson, told Channels TV that the confrontation began when a flight attendant spoke to her in what he described as a humiliating tone. Ogede said Emmanson’s phone had a faulty power button, and when she asked for help to switch it off, the staff responded with curt instructions and a dismissive remark.

Ogede said another passenger eventually assisted in turning off the phone, and that the perception she refused to comply was inaccurate. He suggested the first, more professional hostess on board could have prevented the incident.

Sector moves on with warning

Furthermore Okonkwo called the decision a “singular act of clemency” and reiterated that future violations would be dealt with swiftly. “He said the decision closes the chapter and shows hope that the sector has learned its lessons and will now focus on safety and discipline.

Meanwhile, Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, who previously faced his own airport incident, accepted an appointment from the federal government as ambassador for proper airport security protocol a role his manager described as community service and a show of remorse.