The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has slammed a ₦6 million sanction on Saudi Airlines for violating consumer protection regulations.
The fine was disclosed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, in a post on X .
According to Achimugu, the sanction underscores the authority’s resolve to enforce passenger rights and ensure airlines comply with set service standards.
The NCAA revealed that it had previously intervened during a tense situation involving stranded passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where its timely actions helped prevent the situation from escalating into violence. The regulator also granted Saudi Airlines additional time to address outstanding complaints and implement regulatory directives.
Despite these efforts, the Authority said the airline failed to meet the required compliance standards, leaving it with no option but to impose the ₦6 million penalty.
It expressed optimism that the sanction would encourage Saudi Airlines to improve its operational standards, customer service, and responsiveness to passenger complaints in Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of air travellers, the Authority stressed that passengers flying to and from Nigeria are entitled to fair treatment and quality service in line with the country’s aviation regulations.
Pledging continued support to Saudi Airlines and other carriers to achieve operational excellence, the NCAA warned that it would not hesitate to enforce sanctions against any airline found violating consumer protection provisions.