NCAA fines Qatar Airways N5m over consumer protection violations

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a ₦5 million penalty on Qatar Airways for breaches related to consumer protection.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, announced the development on Wednesday via his X handle.

Achimugu highlighted the seriousness of the infractions and the ongoing scrutiny of the airline.

Achimugu stated, “Glad to announce that, today, the NCAA has sanctioned @qatarairways to the tune of five million naira being penalty for consumer protection-related infractions.”

He also warned that additional sanctions may follow depending on the airline’s response to ongoing investigations.

The sanctions come after a disturbing incident on a Lagos-Doha-US flight where a cabin crew member accused a male passenger of inappropriate behavior during boarding.

The passenger was detained in Doha for 18 hours, fined heavily, and forced to sign a document in Arabic, which he could not understand.

Qatar Airways then refused to continue transporting him to his final destination, forcing him to incur additional travel costs.

Achimugu recounted earlier comments, saying, “The airline @qatarairways has carried on as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of their respect, dignified treatment, and compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. This will be brought to a stop immediately.”

He criticised Qatar Airways for avoiding direct engagement, noting the airline’s country manager repeatedly sent subordinates to NCAA meetings and failed to adhere to the Authority’s determinations.

“They have also failed to treat subsequent complaints from other passengers including a total silence upon receipt of a letter of investigation (LOI) sent to them by the NCAA,” Achimugu added.

Achimugu noted that NCAA remains firm in its commitment to safeguarding passenger rights and ensuring airlines comply with Nigerian aviation. regulations.