NCAA Threatens Sanctions On Qatar Airways, Saudi Air Over Passenger Rights Violations
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned Qatar Airways, Saudi Air and other foreign airlines operating in the country against violating consumer protection laws, saying stiff sanctions await defaulters.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday.
He accused Qatar Airways of treating Nigerian passengers with contempt and disregarding Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
He cited a recent incident involving a Nigerian passenger travelling with his wife on a flight from Lagos to the United States via Doha.
According to him, a cabin crew member accused the passenger of touching her indecently while boarding. She failed to report the matter in Lagos but later lodged the complaint on arrival in Doha, which led to the man’s arrest and detention for 18 hours.
“During the period, his wife suffered mental, physical and psychological trauma without any form of care. She wondered how her husband could have committed such an act given that she was with him throughout the boarding process,” Achimugu said.
He added that the authorities in Doha forced the man to pay a hefty fine and sign a document written only in Arabic before releasing him. Despite this, Qatar Airways refused to fly him to his final destination, compelling him to buy fresh tickets on another airline at huge cost.
Achimugu also accused the airline’s country manager of repeatedly avoiding NCAA meetings, delegating subordinates instead.
“They have failed to treat subsequent complaints from other passengers escalated to them by the CAA, including total silence upon receipt of a letter of investigation sent to them by the NCAA. This behaviour stops now,” he warned.
The NCAA spokesperson stressed that no airline would be allowed to disrespect Nigerian laws while upholding those of Europe and other jurisdictions.
“It is against the law to provide false information to the NCAA. It is against the law to fail to comply with the provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. Every airline must, upon approval to operate in Nigeria, understand and comply with consumer protection regulations,” he said.
He added that Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have also been cautioned over infractions and risk severe penalties if they fail to comply.
Achimugu reaffirmed that NCAA under the leadership of Director-General Chris Najomo remains committed to protecting both passengers and airlines, but would not hesitate to apply “appropriate and stiff penalties” against persistent violators.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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