Regulator says sanction follows unresolved passenger complaints and is aimed at improving the airline’s operations in Nigeria…..
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a N6 million sanction on Saudi Airlines over violations of consumer protection regulations, warning that airlines operating in the country must uphold the rights of passengers.
The development was disclosed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Chris Achimugu, in a statement shared on his verified X account on Friday.
According to Achimugu, the enforcement action came after the aviation regulator had previously intervened to help the airline prevent a breakdown of law and order at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a few months ago.
He explained that the NCAA had also granted Saudi Airlines additional time to address several outstanding consumer complaints and comply with regulatory determinations issued by the authority. However, the airline failed to resolve the issues within the stipulated period, prompting the sanction.
“The sanction is necessary to ensure compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” Achimugu stated.
He added that the regulator expects the airline to significantly improve the quality of its operations in Nigeria, stressing that passengers deserve to be treated with dignity and have their rights protected.
“It is also hoped that the airline will improve exponentially its Nigeria operations. Paying passengers travelling to and from Nigeria need to feel protected and respected by the carrier,” the statement added.
Despite the penalty, Achimugu said the NCAA remains committed to supporting Saudi Airlines and other carriers operating in the country to ensure they deliver safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly services while complying with Nigeria’s aviation regulations.
