The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined Qatar Airways ₦5 million for violating consumer protection regulations, marking a strong stance on passenger rights in Nigerian airspace.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed that the penalty was issued under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which governs consumer rights in aviation.

The fine follows an incident involving a Nigerian passenger on a Lagos-to-U.S. flight via Doha. The passenger was accused of sexual harassment by cabin crew during boarding, resulting in his arrest in Doha, 18-hour detention, and forced signing of a document in Arabic. Qatar Airways also denied him onward travel, forcing him to purchase another ticket to continue his journey.

The NCAA further noted that the airline ignored multiple Letters of Investigation and that the country manager failed to attend a scheduled meeting with regulators, sending subordinates instead. Achimugu emphasized that failure to comply with NCAA directives and consumer protection laws could attract further sanctions.

“This fine underscores the NCAA’s commitment to protecting passengers’ rights and ensuring airlines operate in full compliance with Nigerian aviation regulations,” he said.

Qatar Airways joins six other airlines, including Air Peace, Arik, Aero Contractors, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenya Airways, which have faced NCAA sanctions for consumer protection breaches this year.

The regulator warned that all carriers must provide accurate information and comply with directives, adding that violations of consumer rights will be met with stiff penalties. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.