The Nigeria Civil Aviation. Authority (NCAA) has imposed a ₦6 million sanction on Saudia for violations of consumer protection provisions under the NCAA Regulations 2023.

The regulatory action follows months of engagement between the Authority and the airline after the NCAA intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order during an operational disruption involving the carrier at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The Authority had also granted the airline additional time to resolve outstanding consumer complaints and comply with regulatory determinations.

According to the NCAA, the sanction became necessary to enforce compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which sets out the rights of air passengers and the obligations of airlines operating in Nigeria.

The Authority expressed the expectation that the enforcement action would encourage Saudia to significantly improve its operational and customer service standards in Nigeria.

It stressed that passengers travelling to and from Nigeria are entitled to adequate protection, fair treatment and respect from all airlines.

The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Saudia and other carriers in achieving full regulatory compliance while maintaining efficient and sustainable operations in the Nigerian aviation market. (Nigerian Tribune)