The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has slammed a N5 million fine on Qatar Airways for alleged violations of its consumer protection regulations.
The sanction was disclosed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a statement on Thursday. He said the penalty followed verified infractions of passenger rights under Nigeria’s aviation laws.
Although the NCAA did not immediately list the specific breaches, the airline has recently faced multiple complaints from Nigerian passengers over alleged poor treatment and service delivery issues.
Achimugu noted that Qatar Airways failed to meet key obligations owed to passengers, prompting the regulatory body to take decisive action. He added that Letters of Investigation (LOIs) had also been issued to the airline regarding other pending cases.
He warned that the outcome of those investigations could lead to stiffer sanctions if the airline fails to provide satisfactory responses or corrective measures.
Qatar Airways is among several airlines – both local and international – recently sanctioned by the aviation authority. Others include Air Peace, Arik, Aero Contractors, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Kenya Airways.
Achimugu stressed that the NCAA is intensifying regulatory enforcement across the sector, insisting that all airlines operating in Nigeria must adhere strictly to Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, particularly in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and passenger handling.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has yet to issue a public statement on the fine. The airline acknowledged receipt of an inquiry from journalists and promised to respond “as soon as possible.”
Earlier, Achimugu criticised Qatar Airways for what he described as a pattern of disrespect and non-compliance in its dealings with Nigerian passengers and aviation authorities. He cited a recent case involving the detention of a Nigerian passenger in Doha following an allegation made by a cabin crew member, alleging that the passenger and his wife were subjected to traumatic treatment without proper support or due process.
He said the airline must recognize that Nigerian passengers and the NCAA deserve respect, fairness, and compliance with regulatory standards, adding that the era of disregard would no longer be tolerated.
