NCAA sanctions Saudi Airlines over consumer protection violations

THE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Saudi Airlines with a N6 million fine for breaching consumer protection regulations.

The sanction was announced on Friday by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, in a post on X. He said the airline failed to address outstanding consumer complaints and comply with regulatory determinations despite being granted additional time by the authority.

According to Achimugu, the penalty became necessary after the NCAA had earlier intervened to help the airline avert violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport several months ago and subsequently extended the deadline for resolving pending issues.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has sanctioned Saudi Airlines to the tune of six million naira for consumer protection-related infractions,” he wrote.

He added that the enforcement action is intended to ensure compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 and encourage the airline to significantly improve its operations in Nigeria.

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Achimugu stressed that passengers travelling to and from Nigeria deserve to be treated with respect and enjoy adequate consumer protection from airlines operating in the country.

He also noted that the NCAA remains committed to supporting Saudi Airlines and other carriers to operate efficiently while ensuring they comply with the country’s aviation regulations.

The development follows the authority’s warning that airlines violating consumer protection rules would face sanctions. On September 19, 2025, the NCAA cautioned both Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Airlines over regulatory infractions, warning that they risked severe penalties if they failed to comply with its directives.