Why Airlines Ask Passengers to Switch Off Phones — Aviation Expert Explains

Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (Rtd), President of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative, has clarified why passengers are told to turn off mobile phones and other electronic devices when flying.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Monday newscast, Onitiju stressed that the instruction is purely about safety, not convenience, and applies mainly during takeoff and landing, the most sensitive phases of flight.

“Nothing should happen to an aircraft once it is airborne. There is no parking space up there, and anything capable of jeopardizing the safety of such a flight must be prevented,” he said.

Onitiju explained that cell phones and similar gadgets can disrupt aircraft navigation and communication systems, potentially causing dangerous interference during critical moments.

“If those devices are on, the waves and other elements could affect the aircraft’s systems. It could even interfere with ground communication towers,” he noted.

The aviation expert emphasized that while in-flight incidents caused by mobile devices are rare, aviation regulations are built on preventing risks before they happen.

“You do not, for any reason, risk compromising safety,” he added.

Onitiju’s comments come amid heightened public discussion following the detention of Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of assaulting airline staff aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.