Air Peace removes passenger who said his ‘anger can burn down this plane’

Air Peace has removed a passenger from one of its flights after an altercation with cabin crew delayed the aircraft’s departure.

Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the incident occurred aboard Air Peace flight P47866, which was scheduled to fly to Asaba International Airport in Delta State.

In a statement on Monday night, Achimugu identified the passenger as Celestine Ezeudu, who allegedly refused instructions from cabin crew to stop taking pictures and put away his device while the aircraft was preparing for take-off.

According to the NCAA official, Ezeudu ignored the instructions, leading to an altercation when another crew member approached him.

During the confrontation, the passenger reportedly said: “The anger I am feeling can burn down this plane.”

“The crew immediately alerted the captain who then initiated a ramp return at 1557HRS. The passenger complied with instructions to be removed from the aircraft without further struggle,” the statement reads.

“His friend and co-traveller on the same flight also disembarked of his own will, in solidarity with the unruly passenger.”

Achimugu said Ezeudu, during interrogation, claimed his anger was triggered by missing an earlier flight.

However, he added that the passenger did not realise his conduct would force the aircraft to return to its parking area.

Passengers are generally required to switch off their mobile phones or put them on flight mode before take-off and maintain the setting until after landing.

Achimugu reiterated that passengers must comply with instructions given by cabin crew at all times.