NCAA sanctions Qatar Airways for Passenger abuse

By Seun Ibiyemi

Nigeria’s aviation regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has issued a strong warning to Qatar Airways and other foreign carriers, threatening severe penalties for disrespecting Nigerian passengers and flouting consumer protection laws. 

The move comes after a series of complaints, including a recent case of a Nigerian passenger who was allegedly mistreated by the airline.

According to a statement by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, a Nigerian man was unjustly accused of sexual misconduct by a cabin crew member during a flight from Lagos to Doha.

Despite his wife's testimony confirming he was with her at all times, the passenger was arrested and detained for 18 hours upon arrival in Doha.

He was also reportedly forced to pay a hefty fine and sign a document written entirely in Arabic. The NCAA claims that Qatar Airways then abandoned the man, leaving him to buy a new ticket from another airline at his own expense.

The NCAA alleges that Qatar Airways has shown a consistent pattern of disrespect and non-compliance. The airline is accused of ignoring formal investigations, refusing to respond to passenger complaints, and failing to adhere to official determinations made during meetings with the NCAA.

Furthermore, the airline’s country manager, Kennedy Chirchir, is accused of repeatedly avoiding meetings with regulators, sending subordinates in his place.

In response, the NCAA has made it clear that this behavior will no longer be tolerated.

Achimugu stated, "The airline has carried on as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of respect... This behaviour stops now."

The authority is vowing to impose "appropriate and heavy penalties" on any airline, including Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air, that violates Nigerian aviation laws and the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) signed with the country.