NCAA sanctions Qatar Airways for mistreating a Nigerian passenger, vowing penalties for repeated breaches of consumer protection rules

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), disclosed this on Friday in a statement shared via his verified X handle.

Also read: NCAA clarifies: Airline ticket prices are deregulated

He accused the carrier of repeatedly disregarding NCAA directives under Part 19 of the 2023 Regulations.

Citing a recent incident, Achimugu said a Nigerian passenger was wrongfully accused by a Qatar Airways cabin crew member of sexual harassment during boarding for a Lagos–US flight via Doha.

According to him, the allegation was not reported in Lagos but in Doha, where the passenger was arrested, detained for 18 hours, fined, and compelled to sign a document written solely in Arabic.

Qatar Airways allegedly refused to continue his journey, forcing him to buy another ticket at personal cost.

“The airline 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,” Achimugu stated.

The NCAA also confirmed that Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air had been cautioned for similar consumer rights infractions, warning that they risk severe sanctions if they fail to comply.

Also read: NCAA to sanction airlines for deceptive departure times

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian travellers, stressing that foreign and domestic airlines must treat passengers with fairness, dignity, and respect.