The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has mandated that all passengers must completely switch off their mobile phones and electronic devices during take-off and landing, effective immediately, banning the use of airplane mode during these critical flight phases. Announced on August 19, 2025, by NCAA Director-General Captain Chris Najomo during a National Civil Aviation Security Committee meeting in Abuja, the directive responds to recent incidents of unruly passenger behavior at Nigerian airports.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized in an X post that “all phones must be switched off during the critical aspects of take-off and landing,” noting that airlines must update their security protocols to reflect this unified regulation.
The move aims to enhance aviation safety by eliminating potential device interference and ensuring passenger compliance with crew instructions.
The decision follows concerns about passenger distractions and possible signal interference during take-off and landing, which are the most critical phases of flight.
Achimugu stated that airplane mode is no longer permitted until regulations are reviewed to account for evolving technology. The NCAA also stressed the importance of crew training to manage passenger interactions effectively, with Achimugu noting that uncooperative passengers face stricter consequences globally, though Nigeria adopts a more humane approach.
This regulation marks a shift from previous practices where airplane mode was often sufficient, aligning Nigeria’s aviation policy with stricter safety measures.
The NCAA has warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, as it undermines flight safety and crew authority. Airlines are now tasked with enforcing this rule, with memos sent to update their protocols. The authority aims to restore public trust in aviation security amid rising incidents of passenger misconduct.
