The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has accused Qatar Airways of persistent disregard for Nigerian passengers and the country’s aviation consumer protection regulations, warning that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
According to NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the airline has repeatedly failed to comply with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, despite several complaints lodged by passengers and determinations issued by the authority.
One recent case involved a Nigerian passenger travelling with his wife from Lagos to the United States via Doha.
A Qatar Airways cabin crew member alleged in Doha, without prior report in Lagos that the passenger inappropriately touched her during boarding.
The allegation led to the man’s arrest and 18-hour detention in Doha, during which his wife reportedly endured psychological and physical trauma without care.
The detained passenger was eventually compelled to pay a heavy fine and sign a document written only in Arabic, the NCAA disclosed.
Despite this, Qatar Airways allegedly refused to transport him to his final destination, forcing him to buy new tickets at significant financial and reputational cost.
Mr. Achimugu further revealed that when summoned, Qatar Airways’ country manager routinely evades NCAA meetings, delegating subordinates instead.
The airline has also failed to act on NCAA’s determinations, ignored passenger complaints escalated by the authority, and remained silent after receiving a formal letter of investigation.
“This behaviour stops now”.
Mr. Achimugu warned and stressing that it is unlawful for airlines to ignore NCAA correspondence, provide false information, or fail to comply with consumer protection laws.
He criticized foreign carriers that respect aviation regulators in Europe but flout Nigerian regulations, vowing that stiff penalties would be applied to offenders.
The NCAA spokesperson also disclosed that Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have been found culpable of similar infractions.
Both airlines have been duly advised, but their failure to comply with NCAA’s directives will attract heavy sanctions.
Mr. Achimugu reaffirmed that the NCAA, under the leadership of Director General Captain Chris Najomo, is committed to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian air travelers.
“This department protects the airlines as much as it protects passengers, but we will not allow any carrier to treat our laws with contempt”.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen