NCAA Fines Saudi Airlines N6m Over Consumer Rights Violations
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined Saudi Airlines N6 million for violating consumer protection regulations, underscoring its determination to enforce passenger rights and ensure compliance with aviation standards.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, announced the sanction in a post on X on Friday. He said the authority imposed the fine after Saudi Airlines failed to resolve several outstanding consumer complaints and comply with regulatory determinations despite receiving additional time to address the issues.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA had earlier intervened to support the airline during an incident that threatened to escalate into violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The regulator also granted the carrier an extended grace period to settle pending matters before taking enforcement action.
He explained that the sanction became necessary to ensure compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which sets out the consumer protection obligations of airlines operating in Nigeria.
Achimugu expressed confidence that the penalty would encourage Saudi Airlines to significantly improve its operations in Nigeria, stressing that passengers travelling to and from the country deserve quality service, respect, and effective consumer protection.
NCAA Fines Saudi Airlines N6m Over Consumer Rights Violations
He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Airlines and other domestic and international carriers in achieving efficient operations while complying with Nigeria’s aviation regulations.
The latest enforcement action follows previous warnings issued by the authority to airlines that fail to meet consumer protection standards.
On September 19, 2025, the NCAA cautioned both Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Airlines over regulatory infractions, warning that continued non-compliance with its determinations could attract severe sanctions.
The N6 million fine signals the regulator’s resolve to strengthen accountability across Nigeria’s aviation industry, improve service delivery, and ensure airlines uphold the rights and interests of passengers using the country’s air transport system.
