NCAA Bans Airplane Mode, Orders Phones Fully Switched Off During Take-Off and Landing.
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive mandating that all passengers must completely switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing. This marks a significant departure from the long-standing policy that allowed devices to be placed in airplane mode during these critical phases of flight.
In a statement released on Monday, the NCAA emphasized that the decision was made in the interest of flight safety. The authority stated that allowing phones to remain in airplane mode may still pose potential risks of radio frequency interference with aircraft systems and cockpit communication, particularly during take-off and landing when precise coordination is most critical.
Until now, the standard protocol across airlines in Nigeria permitted the use of mobile devices as long as they were switched to airplane mode. However, the NCAA has now clarified that all electronic devices must be completely powered down before the aircraft begins to taxi for take-off and remain off until the plane has safely landed and cleared the runway.
According to the statement, the revised regulation aligns with best practices in aviation safety and seeks to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the use of electronic devices onboard. The directive is expected to take immediate effect, with airlines instructed to update their safety protocols and ensure full compliance through pre-flight announcements and in-cabin enforcement.
Airline operators have been further advised to brief their flight crew and ground staff accordingly. Cabin crew will be responsible for ensuring that passengers adhere strictly to the new regulation, with particular attention paid during safety demonstrations and compliance checks.
The NCAA noted that while the risk of interference from individual devices is minimal, the cumulative effect of multiple active phones—especially those in airplane mode—can still pose a serious safety concern. The authority stated that its primary obligation remains the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
Industry observers say the move could bring Nigeria’s aviation safety standards more in line with those of some other international regulators who maintain more stringent controls on electronic device usage during critical flight operations.
Passengers are advised to comply with the new directive and follow all instructions from airline personnel. The NCAA also hinted that further updates and educational campaigns may be rolled out to inform the public and reduce resistance during the transition period.
The new policy has already sparked mixed reactions among air travelers, with some expressing concern over the inconvenience, while others welcomed the decision as a necessary step to enhance flight safety. However, the NCAA maintains that safety considerations must take precedence over convenience.
