ANAP Demands Stronger Protection for Aviation Workers Amid Surge in Unruly Passenger Incidents
The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has raised alarm over what it describes as the “unprovoked, unabating and uncivilised” conduct of unruly passengers, calling for urgent measures to safeguard aviation workers from violence and harassment.
In a statement titled “Unruly Passengers Saga: A Case for Protection of Aviation Workers Against Violent Passenger Behaviour”, ANAP’s Secretary General, AbdulRasaq Saidu, urged airlines, airport operators, and regulatory authorities to take decisive steps to curb such incidents.
The union specifically called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to review its protocols on violent passenger behaviour and strengthen enforcement measures at airports.
“We invite the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to urgently review existing protocols on violent passenger behaviour and reinvigorate enforcement methods at the aerodromes, especially with regard to protection of aviation workers from criminal harm makers in the form of unwanted unruly passengers,” the statement read.
ANAP cited two recent high-profile cases that have dominated headlines: the 5 August 2025 incident at the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving popular musician Wasiu Ayinde (known as Kwam 1) and ValueJet, and the 10 August 2025 incident involving Ms Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
While much public discussion has focused on the unlawful conduct of the passengers involved, the professionalism of pilots and security personnel, and the wider security implications for passengers and aircraft, ANAP noted that an equally pressing issue has been overlooked — the physical and psychological risks faced by aviation workers.
“The reports and video footages in both incidences show clearly the physical and psychological assault and trauma visited on both ground staff and air crews,” the union stated.
To address this, ANAP urged airlines and airport authorities to provide immediate medical attention and financial compensation to any staff — whether ground crew or air crew — harmed in such incidents, describing it as a key demonstration of “duty of care” towards employees.
The union also issued a stern warning to the travelling public that disorderly behaviour would not be tolerated in the aviation sector. It called for maximum sanctions, including legal prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Reassuring its members, ANAP pledged unwavering support and readiness to intervene in cases where aviation workers are subjected to harassment or assault.
“We urge all aviation workers to regard ANAP as home and to call for help at any time of distress,” the statement concluded.
