Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the development on Wednesday through his official X account, revealing that the decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, public appeals, and expressions of remorse from both parties.

Emmanson, who had been held at Kirikiri Prison since her arrest on 10 August 2025, will be released this week following Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its criminal complaint. 

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to remove the lifetime ban it placed on her. According to Keyamo, “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”

Battle for the Boarding Pass: Air Peace vs. Ibom Air on Key Nigerian Routes

The case of Comfort Emmanson began during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, when she reportedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, later escalating into an altercation with Ibom Air crew members. She was charged at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court before being remanded.

In a separate incident, Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, had faced a six-month no-fly sanction for allegedly attempting to board a ValueJet flight at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 5 August 2025 with a flask suspected to contain alcohol. 

Reports say he refused to hand it over and proceeded to walk onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s movement.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had also suspended the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba for taxiing while individuals were still on the runway. 

Under the new resolution, their licences will be reinstated after serving the same one-month suspension, followed by a professional reappraisal.

Industry bodies had earlier intervened, with the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) urging the NCAA to reconsider the pilots’ suspension, citing their clean professional records. 

However, some aviation law experts, including Professor Ismail Adua Mustapha, had warned that failing to prosecute KWAM 1 could harm Nigeria’s Grade A safety rating and breach obligations under international aviation rules, such as Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention.

Keyamo stressed that the decisions were made purely on compassionate grounds, stating they do not reflect a soft approach to aviation misconduct. He announced that KWAM 1 will now serve as an ambassador for airport security protocol, a role aimed at promoting awareness of proper conduct in aviation environments.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with him to drive the campaign. The decision has divided public opinion, some view it as a smart way to turn a high-profile infraction into an educational effort, while others question the optics of appointing someone recently sanctioned to champion discipline in aviation spaces.

As part of the measures, a nationwide aviation security retreat will be held to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also undergo targeted sessions to improve staff professionalism and passenger relations.

Not from the weather, but from choosing a domestic airline in Nigeria.

In 2024, over 11.5 million Nigerians flew within the country, down from 15.8 million in 2023. The drop wasn’t surprising because the price of tickets reached as much as ₦124,693 on average for a one-way trip back then. Now it’s around ₦286,000.

Fuel prices are eating airlines alive, and FX rates fluctuate like Twitter opinions. Still, Air Peace and Ibom Air have managed to hold more than 38% of this market between them.

And while Lagos and Abuja top aircraft movement, 62% of it, to be exact, what matters more is not who’s flying where, but who’s flying well.

So today, we ask: Between Air Peace and Ibom Air, who truly gives value, consistency, and peace of mind to the local Nigerian traveller?

Route Coverage and Frequency

When it comes to reach, Air Peace has it. Established in 2013, it flies to over 20 domestic destinations and operates high-frequency flights on major routes like Lagos–Abuja, Lagos–Enugu, and Port Harcourt–Owerri. It also connects hard-to-reach airports, sometimes being the only option available.

Ibom Air, meanwhile, keeps it tight. Since launching in 2019, it has steadily focused on six major cities, Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. While its reach is minimal, its reliability within these hubs is what earns it loyal passengers.

Verdict: Air Peace wins on reach. Ibom Air wins on reliability in core routes.

Punctuality and Operational Efficiency

This is where the wings begin to split.

Ibom Air is almost synonymous with punctuality in Nigerian aviation. Passengers repeatedly commend it for departing and arriving on time, even under difficult conditions. Flights are predictable, landings are smooth, and operations are tight, even if announcements are sometimes skipped due to faulty PA systems.

In contrast, Air Peace suffers from chronic delays, unexplained cancellations, and mechanical failures. From customers stuck for hours with no communication to aircraft that fail to start, the stories are frustrating and, frankly, dangerous.

One review reads: “Three-hour delay, changed three flights, first two engines didn’t start. Staff were rude.” Another said: “Air Peace is air-dangerous.”

Verdict: On punctuality and predictability, Ibom Air crushes Air Peace.

Customer Service and Passenger Experience

Ibom Air’s cabin crew are described as warm, cheerful, and professional. One passenger wrote about being “in good hands” from check-in to disembarkation. The attention to detail, from clean windows to soothing classical music during cruise, gives Ibom Air an elevated domestic experience.

Air Peace, on the other hand, has an alarming amount of customer complaints. Passengers accuse it of making empty promises, failing to refund cancelled flights, gaslighting customers, and treating them with disrespect. 

One passenger claimed Air Peace staff called her mother “a fool” during a dispute over baggage. The airline has also been condemned for failing to communicate delays or apologise sincerely for mishaps.

Verdict: Ibom Air wins for treating customers like humans, not baggage.

Pricing and Value for Money

Usually, Air Peace is cheaper, but not always. For example, a recent Lagos–Abuja economy fare on Air Peace was listed at ₦133,500 to ₦190,600, while Ibom Air’s hovered around ₦152,500–₦171,500.

But business class, Ibom Air charges around ₦285,000 to ₦333,700; Air Peace charges ₦520,000 for the same route. However, it’s Ibom Air’s cabins that offer leather seats, ample legroom, and calmer boarding.

Given the poor customer experience on Air Peace, the marginal savings in economy or inflated costs in business don’t justify the risk.

Verdict: Ibom Air offers better value, especially in premium cabins.

Fleet Quality and In-Flight Comfort

Ibom Air operates newer CRJ-900 aircraft in a 2–2 configuration, commended for generous legroom, comfortable leather seating, and impressive cleanliness. Passengers love the small touches, like snack packs upon disembarkation and calming music in-flight.

Air Peace’s fleet is larger but older, with aircraft frequently reported for mechanical issues. Some passengers even recount multiple failed engines on the tarmac. Though it offers proper meals and has made strides in international flights, its domestic fleet maintenance record raises serious concerns.

Verdict: Comfort, maintenance, and peace of mind? Ibom Air wins again.

Tech and Booking Experience

Booking a flight should be easy and both Ibom Air as well as Air Peace struggled in the area. Both have simple, clean websites and apps, offering online check-in, digital boarding passes, and regular updates via email or SMS. However, none escaped the glitch complaint.

“Unable to book a flight, unable to update my profile. There is still a lot of work to be done,” a customer said regarding Ibom Air’s app.

“I’m trying to sign up and I can’t. It says error , I need to add a title to my name but there is no Tab or space to add a title,” another said.

For Air Peace, complains include “AirPeace I don’t want to believe this your app is a way of defrauding people of their hard earned money, I booked ticket for me and my wife from Warri to Lagos through this your AirPeace app and I made payment of 202,200. Up till now I can’t access anything, not even the platform to select a seat. Pls do look into it.”

Verdict: Ibom Air and Air Peace have lots of work to do here.

Brand Perception and Trust

Air Peace has a complex reputation. On one hand, it’s Nigeria’s largest airline and has taken commendable steps, like launching Lagos–London flights. But its local reputation is heavily damaged by poor service and operational lapses.

Ibom Air, meanwhile, is seen as Nigeria’s premium domestic airline. Initially thought to be state-funded, COO George Uriesi clarified that the Akwa Ibom Government only invested in it like a business venture, leaving professionals to run it.

Passengers who fly Ibom once tend to stick with it. Air Peace, on the other hand, gets people back due to a lack of alternatives in some regions.

Verdict: Ibom Air is building trust. Air Peace is losing it.

Final Which Airline Deserves Your Naira?

If your priority is route availability, Air Peace still holds the upper hand. For passengers travelling outside major cities or needing late-night flights, it may be the only option.

But if what you want is predictability, peace of mind, clean aircraft, and human-centred service, Ibom Air is your best bet, even if you’ll pay slightly more.

In a country where everything feels like a gamble, Ibom Air has managed to take the risk out of flying. Just that it’s currently limited in reach.

COMPARISON TABLE

Uganda Airlines which is the flag carrier of the Republic of Uganda would be flying from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda thrice a week to Lagos, Nigeria.

The airline that is rated at the top of the list of the youngest fleets of the world airlines is also known as the Uganda National Airlines Company.

Mr. Patrick Ziwa, the Ugandan Country Manager said concerning the partnership between SAHCO and Uganda Airlines that they are happy and blessed to be in Nigeria starting from the 19th of October, 2023. He went on to say that Uganda Airlines is excited about working with SAHCO, partnering with SAHCO and also supporting SAHCO during this novel journey.

SAHCO has been able to attract and retain the confidence of both her existing airlines and new airlines due to the seamless, safe and speedy service delivery which SAHCO is known for.

SAHCO is the only Aviation Ground Handling company that is present in all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria.

In recent times, many foreign airlines have moved their aviation ground handling operations to SAHCO so as to enjoy being handled by a loyal and dedicated workforce who are well trained and whose integrity is undoubtable, delivering their activities in line with global best practices.

Also, SAHCO has invested on modern aviation ground support equipment (GSE) which operate on alternative power sources and are rugged to enable effective maneuvering in the Nigerian terrain.

These GSE are also equipped with the technology to guarantee zero carbon emission to ensure the commitment of SAHCO to protecting the environment. Among these is the first ever Cool Dollies which are used to convey temperature sensitive shipment from the aircraft to the warehouse to safeguard that the shipments are not denatured.

In the same vein, Ibom Air has signed an aviation ground handling contract with SAHCO to handle her regional flights starting with the Lagos to Accra route which also commenced on October 17, 2023 by providing Passenger handling services, Baggage handling services, Ramp handling services, Cargo handling services and Premium Lounge services.

Despite operating in a challenging industry, SAHCO ensures that the focus is to confirm operational excellence which has helped in the handling of an array of aviation clients that enjoy customer specific services that are unique to them.

This has enabled SAHCO to be the leading player in the Nigerian aviation landscape by providing services to Aero Contractors, African World Airways, Air Cote D’Ivoire, KLM, Air France, Air Peace, Arik Air, Allied Air, Badr Airlines, Bristol Helicopters, British Airlines, Camair-Co, Caverton Helicopters, Dana Air, DHL Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Execujets, Green Africa Airlines, Ibom Air, Inter Air, Max Air, Middle East Airlines, Overland Airways, South African Airways, TAAG Angola, Tarco Airlines, United Airlines, United Nigeria, Airlines, XE Jet, Value Jet, Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

Since aviation is all about safety, SAHCO has ensured that the organization is RA3 certified, ISAGO certified and ISO9001 certified.

It is worthy to note that SAHCO is also the recipient of numerous awards both locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria.

This information was shared in a statement released to commemorate the airline’s fourth anniversary. The statement, signed by Aniekan Essienette, the GM of Marketing and Communication, was made available to the press in Uyo.

Since its inception on June 7, 2019, the airline has experienced tremendous growth, as stated by the company. With a modern fleet of aircraft, a strong emphasis on safety, and exceptional customer service, Ibom Air has become the preferred choice for travelers seeking a combination of safety, comfort, reliability, and affordability.

Mr. George Uriesi, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, attributed the rapid growth to the airline’s ability to meet the high expectations of its shareholders and the dedicated execution of its business plan.

He expressed pride in celebrating Ibom Air’s fourth anniversary and highlighted the airline’s achievements in surpassing its business plan projections.

These milestones were accomplished through meticulous execution of the business plan and the hard work and dedication of the committed staff.

Uriesi emphasized that Ibom Air’s internal culture of excellence, safety, integrity, passion, and innovation has become deeply ingrained and drives the company’s commitment to providing the highest quality of service in the industry.

The COO also expressed gratitude, on behalf of the board, management, and staff, to the loyal customers, associates, and stakeholders across the country and beyond for their support over the past four years.

Furthermore, Uriesi highlighted the recent certification of Ibom Air with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), underscoring the airline’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry

Ibom Air, this morning recorded its 2 millionth passenger. The airline’s sophisticated algorithm had calculated that the milestone would be reached on the 16th of December. And the exact flight turned out to be the 11:30am Uyo to Lagos flight.

The management of Ibom Air, led by Mr George Uriesi, the COO, were on hand to do the countdown to the 2 millionth passenger, who turned out to be Ms. Ifeoma Chiadika, a 22-year-old, fresh graduate of Communication Arts from the University of Uyo!

Congratulating Ms. Chiadika, the COO said “we congratulate you on emerging our 2 millionth passenger. Ibom Air greatly appreciates your patronage and we do not take any single one of our 2 million passengers for granted. We promise to continue to work hard to maintain the high standards that we have come to be known for and customers, like you, have come to expect of us.”

Aniekan Essienette, the General Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, said that Ms. Chiadika, the lucky passenger, was gifted with a premium return ticket and a certificate of recognition as Ibom Air’s 2 millionth passenger!

“Ibom Air commenced operations on 7 June 2019. Since then, the airline has operated more than 27,000 scheduled, commercial flights. 

“The airline is ready to commence regional flights in the first quarter of 2023 as it prepares to expand its reach throughout the continent of Africa, operating out of the soon-to-be-commissioned, ultra-modern hub terminal at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, the airline’s home base,” the statement reads.

AON, Friday, announced the shutdown of operations, with effect from Monday May 09, 2022, over the skyrocketing cost of Aviation fuel, which has reached an all-time high of N700 per litre.

Aero Contractors had issued this statement on Saturday in solidarity to AON.

But in the airlines backtracked on Sunday. Arik Air and Aero Contractors issued notification to the traveling public, agreeing they will be operating all their scheduled flights on Monday, May 9, 2022.

“Both managements fully identify with and endorse the efforts of the Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON ) to bring about a conducive operating environment for Nigerian carriers as the current price of JET A1 is unsustainable and could result in the untimely demise of most airlines.

“However, we have assurances that the government is looking at the issues raised by the AON and will come up with a decision that will be in the best interest of the industry and the traveling public.

“Passengers who are booked to travel on both Arik Air and Aero Contractors tomorrow and beyond should proceed to their airports of departure to board”, the statement reads.

Recall that Ibom Airlines Limited (Ibom Air) had issued similar statement on Saturday, announcing that they will not participate in the proposed strike.

Ibom Air, a public statement said, the airlines acknowledges the existential threat that the runaway fuel price increases pose for the air transport industry in Nigeria, however “every airline has its unique business model and pressures”.