The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered that all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be completely switched off during aircraft take-off and landing, effectively ending the long-standing practice of using “flight mode.”

NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting.

Najomo stressed that the directive unifies all regulations on the use of electronic devices during flights, warning that the “flight mode” option would no longer be permitted.

He declared:

“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices must be switched off during the critical phases of flight on all Nigerian airlines. There is nothing like flight mode any longer. Nigerian air operators are required to amend their operations manuals to reflect this directive and submit to the NCAA for approval.”

Beyond electronic devices, the NCAA boss also announced stricter measures to address the rising cases of unruly passenger behaviour at airports nationwide. He emphasized that the era of “business as usual” was over, and that airlines, passengers, and aviation agencies would be held to higher standards of compliance and responsibility.

To this end, Najomo revealed that the Authority would embark on massive public sensitization campaigns via radio, television, and other platforms, while compelling airlines to provide mandatory conflict-resolution training for their staff.

He also disclosed that NCAA would conduct mock emergency response exercises in Lagos and Abuja next week to assess readiness and coordination among aviation security personnel, law enforcement, and intelligence partners.

“If you think you can come and be unruly, we are waiting for you,” Najomo warned. “Aviation security personnel must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement. All stakeholders must work together, share intelligence, and respond rapidly to threats.”

Acknowledging that unruly acts may never be completely eliminated, he insisted they must be managed “professionally and responsibly” in line with global aviation standards.

Supporting the directive, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Achimugu, explained that enforcement procedures would vary depending on each case but assured that Nigeria’s approach remained more humane compared to other countries.

He urged passengers to channel all grievances through the NCAA, reiterating the agency’s mandate to protect consumer rights.

Reflecting on recent high-profile incidents involving passengers and crew, Achimugu said the NCAA had handled the cases effectively but noted systemic gaps that must be urgently addressed.