ABUJA- The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a five-million-naira penalty on Qatar Airways (QR) after determining that the carrier violated consumer protection rules and failed to address regulatory directives.
NCAA officials stated that the sanction reflects the authority’s commitment to passenger rights and regulatory compliance across all airlines operating through Lagos and other Nigerian gateways. The latest development marks a continuation of the agency’s heightened enforcement strategy in 2024.
Qatar Airways Fined by Nigeria
The NCAA confirmed that its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, announced the fine through an official statement.
He noted that Qatar Airways had been warned repeatedly about delayed responses to mandatory inquiries. The sanction is the first in a series of pending cases under review.
The enforcement action follows a series of unresolved passenger complaints, including a high-profile case linked to Doha that triggered increased oversight and public scrutiny.
Achimugu added that multiple Letters of Investigation issued to the airline remain unanswered, and further penalties may follow if the carrier does not address them satisfactorily. The agency emphasized that no operator is exempt from consumer protection laws.
Passenger Mistreatment Case
The enforcement action stems partly from a September incident involving a Nigerian passenger travelling with his spouse through Doha.
According to the NCAA, the traveler was detained for more than 18 hours after a cabin crew member accused him of inappropriate behavior during boarding in Lagos. The passenger reportedly paid fines, signed documents in Arabic, and was ultimately denied carriage on his onward flight.
Officials stated that the airline’s refusal to engage with regulators after the incident played a significant role in the penalty decision. The authority previously warned that ignoring official invitations and regulatory letters violates national aviation rules.
The case drew public attention and prompted the NCAA to reassess airline conduct on international routes.
Wider Compliance push
Qatar Airways is not the only operator facing scrutiny. The NCAA has issued compliance notices to Royal Air Maroc (AT) and Saudia (SV), citing similar consumer rights concerns.
While no financial penalties have been announced for these carriers, the agency indicated that further action is possible if outstanding directives remain unresolved.
Achimugu reinforced that all airlines, whether Nigerian or foreign, must comply with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations, which govern passenger rights, complaint handling procedures, and mandatory communication with authorities.
He added that the regulator will continue prioritizing accountability to ensure traveler safety, dignity, and fair treatment.
Bottom Line
The NCAA’s five-million-naira sanction against Qatar Airways signals a strong, ongoing push to enforce passenger rights in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With unresolved cases still under review and multiple airlines under observation, the regulator appears poised to intensify oversight.
The decision underscores a clear message: non-compliance with consumer protection rules will result in swift and measurable consequences.
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