The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, has confirmed that Royal Air Maroc, has settled the sanction fee imposed on the airline earlier this year for breaching passenger protection rules.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, disclosed the development on Monday through his official X handle.
“Glad to announce that Royal Air Maroc has also paid the NCAA sanction fee imposed on the airline for consumer protection-related infractions earlier this year,” Achimugu wrote.
Royal Air Maroc was among several foreign airlines sanctioned in 2025, but according to NCAA, the Moroccan carrier received one of the heaviest fines due to persistent baggage-related problems and its poor track record in addressing passenger complaints.
While acknowledging that the airline has improved in its response to customer grievances, the authority noted that challenges remain.
“There is a remarkable improvement in their responses to passenger complaints, but baggage issues continue to persist,” NCAA stated.
The regulator further revealed that it had recently engaged Royal Air Maroc in a virtual meeting aimed at identifying long-term solutions. However, it warned that stricter sanctions could follow if the airline fails to make significant progress.
“We have held a virtual meeting with the airline to try and understand their challenges. Despite this, the NCAA is thinking of heavier sanctions against RAM if this anomaly does not improve immediately,” Achimugu added.
The authority advised the airline to rethink its strategy in handling baggage matters.
“Business dictates a change of strategy if the current policies are not working. To this end, the airline is advised to seek other ways to resolve baggage issues if their present ways are not helping passengers.
The goal is to sanitize our industry and give passengers a seamless travel experience,” the NCAA explained.
Royal Air Maroc is not the only foreign carrier sanctioned this year.
Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines were also penalized for repeated infractions. One case involving Qatar Airways drew public criticism after a Nigerian passenger was allegedly detained for 18 hours in Doha following a cabin crew accusation, before being denied onward travel and forced to purchase a new ticket.
The NCAA stressed that its actions are not punitive but aimed at ensuring fairness and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“The NCAA will continue to protect the rights of passengers and airlines,” it emphasized.
