Air Peace flight returns to parking bay after passenger-crew altercation

An Air Peace flight scheduled to operate to Asaba, Delta State, was delayed after an altercation between a passenger and cabin crew forced the aircraft to return to its parking position before take-off.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the incident occurred on Air Peace flight P47866, with Asaba International Airport identified by the aviation code ABB as its destination.

In a statement on Monday night, Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, identified the passenger as Celestine Ezeudu and said he repeatedly ignored instructions from cabin crew to stop taking pictures and put away his device as the aircraft prepared for take-off.

According to Achimugu, the situation escalated when a second crew member approached the passenger, leading to an argument during which Ezeudu reportedly said: “The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane.”

The cabin crew immediately alerted the captain, who initiated a return to the ramp at 15:57 local time, according to the NCAA account.

“The passenger complied with instructions to be removed from the aircraft without further struggle,” Achimugu said.

His friend and co-traveller, who was booked on the same flight, also chose to disembark in solidarity with him.

During subsequent questioning, Ezeudu reportedly explained that his anger was linked to missing an earlier flight.

However, Achimugu said the passenger did not realise that his conduct would result in the aircraft returning to its parking position.

The NCAA did not identify the airport from which the flight was scheduled to depart or disclose how long the delay lasted.

The incident has drawn attention to the importance of passenger compliance with cabin crew instructions, particularly during critical stages of flight operations.

Passengers are generally required to follow crew directions on the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing, including switching off their phones or placing them in flight mode where instructed.

Achimugu stressed that passengers must obey cabin crew instructions at all times.

The ramp return was initiated after the crew reported the confrontation to the captain, who took action before the aircraft proceeded with its journey.

Although the passenger eventually left the aircraft without further resistance, the incident delayed the flight and resulted in the voluntary disembarkation of his travelling companion.

The NCAA’s account underscores the responsibility of passengers to follow safety-related instructions and avoid conduct that could disrupt flight operations.

It also highlights how confrontations onboard can affect other travellers, even when an aircraft has not yet taken off.