On August 10, 2025, Ms. Comfort Emmanson (comically called KWAM 2 on social media), refused to power off her phone, despite crew instructions and the pilot’s announcement, asserting it was already in “flight mode.” This refusal was seen as non-compliance with standard safety protocols. It escalated to the point of a violent confrontation, prompting her arrest and an indefinite ban from Ibom Air .
While her claim that the phone was already on flight mode may hold some legal relevance (some argue misuse of “airplane mode” terminology can lead to misunderstandings), aviation rules require explicit crew acknowledgment—not just a passenger’s assertion—that a device is compliant. The airline emphasized the importance of following crew instructions unambiguously
In contrast, while KWAM 1’s action of blocking an airplane was a risk to his own life (suicidal) , the Ibom lady’s action, could have endangered the life of everyone on the crew (mass killing). As such, the two don’t have the same weight.
Below are reasons why switching off is recommended:
Preventing Radio Interference with Cockpit Communication
Even though modern aircraft systems are well shielded, multiple active phones can still cause interference—especially in the cockpit. A pilot and aviation expert (known as PerchPoint) explained that phone signals can create a “buzzing” or “mosquito-like” noise in pilots’ headsets, making it harder to hear crucial instructions from air traffic control during critical phases like takeoff and landing .
Regulatory and Safety Requirements
Aviation authorities such as the FAA (U.S.) and NCAA (Nigeria) require devices to be off or in airplane mode because active cellular signals can potentially disrupt critical aircraft systems—even if there’s no documented crash caused by this interference . It’s a precaution rooted in safety and operational integrity.
Mitigating Network Disruption
Airplanes move fast and cross multiple cellular zones, which can overload or confuse ground-based cell networks. Enforcing airplane mode helps prevent this kind of interference .
Key Takeaways
Safety First: Even minor electronic interference can affect cockpit communication.
Follow Crew Instructions: It’s not about personal interpretation—crew directives are mandatory.
Airplane Mode Isn’t Enough—If Not Confirmed: Claiming your phone is on flight mode doesn’t replace compliance.
In short, the rules aren’t arbitrary—they’re designed to keep the aircraft and its occupants safe. Disputes over whether a device was already “airplane mode” or not can’t override the need for clear, confirmable compliance during all critical phases of flight.
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