Altitude Meets Attitude

Just five days after the dust barely settled on the Kwam 1 flight saga, Nigeria’s skies were rattled again, in what some are now calling ‘Kwam 2’, this time aboard a commercial flight. Ibom Air, known for its punctuality and orderliness, found itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A passenger reportedly erupted into a chaotic frenzy mid-flight, creating another scene that sent shockwaves across the aviation sector.

While some saw it as yet another episode of “Nigerians behaving badly in the skies,” others like me are asking deeper questions:
👉 What if this altercation led to property damage?
👉 What if someone got injured?
👉 And crucially, how would aviation insurance and personal insurance have responded?

Let’s dive into the turbulence the insurance-style.

The Incident in Focus

On August 10, 2025, a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, refused to switch off her mobile phone as instructed before take-off from Uyo. The situation escalated: she physically assaulted crew members, allegedly tried to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon, and was forcibly removed from the plane on arrival in Lagos. The scene was chaotic; footage shows security wrestling her onto an airport bus while she continued to resist.

This wasn’t just about bad manners, it was a potential liability minefield.

🛡️ Aviation Insurance: Who Covers What?

In incidents like this, several layers of aviation insurance kick into consideration:

✅ Passenger Liability Insurance

Ibom Air, like all commercial airlines, carries passenger liability insurance. This covers:

• Injuries to passengers caused by negligence or incidents during flight.
• Compensation in case of medical emergencies or trauma.
• Damage to personal belongings during altercations.

If the unruly passenger had caused physical harm to someone or damaged another passenger’s luggage or personal electronics, Ibom Air’s insurance might cover initial claims  but they could seek subrogation from the passenger at fault.

✅ Hull Insurance

If the passenger caused damage to any part of the aircraft (seat fixtures, tray tables, cockpit entry, or even cabin security gear) Ibom Air’s hull insurance might cover repairs. But again, insurers might come knocking on the unruly passenger’s door later.

What About the Passenger’s Own Insurance?

Most travelers never think of it, but personal insurance policies could come into play too.

🧳 Personal Property – All Risk Insurance

If the passenger’s phone, tablet, or luggage was damaged in the scuffle, and the airline disputes fault, their All Risks cover might help especially if it includes travel protection.

🏥 Health or Travel Insurance

If the incident escalated to injury, say someone was pushed or suffered a panic attack, a personal health or travel insurance policy might cover:

• Emergency treatment
• Medical evacuation (in extreme cases)

⚖️ Legal Liability Coverage

Now here’s the twist, if the unruly passenger is sued (and yes, it happens), certain personal liability insurance policies may cover legal defense costs or settlements, and might also be subject to subrogation by the airline’s insurer. However, this coverage typically applies only if the passenger’s actions weren’t criminal. Since air rage is often classified as a criminal offense under aviation laws, most personal policies would exclude coverage altogether leaving the individual fully exposed to legal and financial consequences.

⚠️ The Real Risk: Blacklists and Criminal Charges

Beyond insurance, the long-term impact on the offending passenger can be severe:

• Lifetime flight bans by the airline: Shortly after the incident, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Emmanson across all member airlines. They described her behavior as a serious threat to flight safety and most extreme case in recent history. Though the Minister of Aviation has directed Ibom Air to drop charges and AON to lift the ban, citing the passenger’s public remorse.
• Arrest and prosecution under civil aviation laws: Charges were initially filed, citing violation of onboard safety regulations and crew assault which is punishable under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act.
• Hefty fines or imprisonment: Convictions for such offenses can result in fines or imprisonment, particularly when crew members are assaulted or safety is compromised.

These types of offenses are now under increased scrutiny as airspace incidents become more frequent and airlines are adopting a strict zero-tolerance stance.

💡 Lessons: Stay Calm or Pay the Price

With two high-profile air space incidents in under a week, there’s a loud and clear message for air travelers: the cabin is not your danfo. Whether you’re flying private or commercial, aviation is governed by strict codes and insurance will only step in if you’re on the right side of those rules.

Next time you’re flying and tempers flare, always remember that moment of rage might cost far more than your ticket. It could cost your freedom, your reputation, and your finances.

Insurance can be a powerful fallback, your quiet ally when things go wrong but only if you’re on the right side of the law. Step out of line, and even your policies may walk away too.

✍️ Final Thoughts

The skies aren’t just about altitude, they’re about attitude. As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to grow, both airlines and passengers must remember, every flight carries not only rights, but responsibilities.

And when things go wrong, as they sometimes will, insurance may be the only thing standing between frustration and resolution. It can’t erase the experience, but it can soften the impact when systems fail.

Have you ever felt unheard, mistreated, or let down while flying or otherwise? Did insurance make a difference or fall short? Share your story. Your voice might be the one that helps others land a little softer.