The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially issued sanction letters to five airlines for various infractions, with additional penalties under review.
The affected airlines include Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Aero Contractors and Air Peace. According to the NCAA’s Director for Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, investigations are still ongoing, and stricter penalties may be imposed.
“We have sent official sanction letters to the five airlines. More penalties could follow, including a possible ₦200 million fine for repeated violations,” Achimugu stated.
The NCAA had earlier warned that airlines failing to process passenger refunds within the stipulated time frame under the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face consequences. Following a rise in passenger complaints, the regulatory body took action against the airlines.
In addition, Royal Air Maroc may face a ₦300 million fine for failing to comply with regulations, which could be the largest aviation sanction in Nigeria’s history.
Efforts to get responses from the affected airlines were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to inquiries.