NCAA Sanctions Qatar Airways N5M After Two-Month Warning

Two months after issuing a stern warning, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has sanctioned Qatar Airways N5 million for consumer protection infractions. The announcement came on November 19 via the official Twitter handle of NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu (@ mikeachimugu01). According to the tweet, the sanction responds to repeated airline failures to comply with NCAA determinations and letters of investigation (LOI). Achimugu noted that “letters of investigation written to the airline over other cases may lead to further sanctions if not treated satisfactorily.”

On September 19, Achimugu had issued a sharp warning on his official Twitter account, citing a disturbing passenger incident. A cabin crew member allegedly claimed that while assisting passengers during Lagos–Doha boarding, a male passenger committed misconduct. However, this accusation proved false, causing the passenger to be detained for about eighteen hours in Doha. He was forced to pay fines and sign a document written only in Arabic, which he could not understand. Despite this, the airline refused to fly him to his final destination, forcing him to purchase new tickets at personal cost.

In his November 19 tweet, Achimugu emphasised the importance of compliance: “As always, the NCAA is committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders.”

The sanction follows Qatar Airways’ continued failure to respond to NCAA letters and determinations, including cases escalated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Achimugu underscored that Nigeria’s consumer protection regulations, Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, must be respected by all airlines operating in the country. He warned that providing false information or ignoring NCAA directives is unlawful and will attract penalties.

This action comes alongside warnings to Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air. Achimugu confirmed that these airlines have been properly advised about certain infractions and will face sanctions if they fail to comply with NCAA determinations. He said the NCAA protects passengers and airlines alike but will enforce rules strictly to ensure respect for Nigeria’s aviation laws.