NCAA orders mandatory phone shutdown during take-off, landing

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must completely switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing, in a move aimed at standardising flight safety regulations across the country.

The directive was announced on Tuesday by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, via an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the statement, the updated regulation unifies Nigeria’s rules on the use of mobile phones and electronic devices in flight, following widespread complaints of inconsistency among different airlines.

“Passengers are hereby reminded that all mobile phones must be switched off completely during take-off and landing. This directive, which has now been harmonised, is in line with global aviation safety standards,” Achimugu said.

The announcement followed an emergency meeting between NCAA and industry stakeholders earlier on Tuesday, convened to review operational safety measures and align Nigeria’s policies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.

Previously, some airlines permitted phones to remain in “flight mode” during take-off and landing, while others enforced stricter shutdown rules. The lack of uniformity reportedly caused confusion among passengers and raised concerns about compliance with safety protocols.

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With the new unified directive, all airlines operating in Nigeria are expected to enforce the same rule, leaving no room for discretion at the crew or airline level.

Aviation experts note that electronic devices can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems, particularly during the critical phases of take-off and landing, when pilots require maximum concentration and minimal disturbance.

By mandating complete shutdown, the NCAA seeks to eliminate any margin of error and ensure that Nigeria adheres strictly to best international practices in air safety.

The NCAA added that airlines will be monitored for compliance, while passengers are urged to follow crew instructions to avoid penalties. The agency also promised to intensify its public awareness campaigns to educate travellers on the rationale behind the rule.

The development comes at a time when Nigeria is ramping up efforts to improve aviation safety standards and boost passenger confidence in the sector.