Airport Police to Arraign Two Passengers Over Alleged In-Flight Smoking
Two airline passengers are set to be arraigned by the Airport Police for allegedly violating aviation safety regulations after they were caught smoking during a commercial flight, an offence regarded as a serious threat to passenger safety.
The suspects were apprehended after the aircraft landed following reports by the cabin crew that they allegedly smoked onboard despite repeated announcements prohibiting smoking throughout the flight.
According to aviation authorities, smoking inside an aircraft is a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) because it poses significant fire and safety risks to passengers, crew members and the aircraft. Officials stressed that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Airport Police said the suspects would be charged before a competent court as part of ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with aviation safety regulations and discourage unruly behaviour by air travellers.
Authorities also advised passengers to obey all instructions issued by flight crews and adhere strictly to established safety procedures before, during and after flights. They warned that any conduct capable of endangering lives or compromising flight safety would attract appropriate legal sanctions.
The planned prosecution highlights the determination of aviation authorities and law enforcement agencies to uphold discipline, strengthen safety standards and ensure accountability within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
