Saudi Airlines has remained silent over a N6m penalty imposed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for alleged breaches of consumer protection regulations.
Efforts to get the airline’s reaction proved unsuccessful, as an email sent by our correspondent had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.
According to The Punch, the NCAA disclosed the sanction on its X account on Friday, explaining that the action followed the airline’s failure to address several unresolved consumer complaints despite repeated engagement by the regulator and the granting of additional time to comply.
According to the Authority, it had previously intervened during a tense situation involving the airline at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where its officials helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order after passengers raised complaints.
The regulator said it initially chose a conciliatory approach rather than imposing immediate penalties, providing the carrier with extra time to resolve pending consumer issues and comply with regulatory decisions.
However, the NCAA noted that the airline’s inability to fulfil its obligations ultimately necessitated enforcement action under the provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
The Authority said, “Having supported the airline to avert violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport a couple of months back, and allowing the grace of extended time to resolve several pending issues as well as determinations by the CAA, this sanction is necessary to ensure compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”
The NCAA emphasised that the penalty was not designed to disrupt the airline’s operations but to strengthen accountability and encourage better service delivery to passengers.
“It is also hoped that the airline will improve, exponentially, its Nigeria operations,” the regulator added.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of air travellers, the Authority stated that passengers flying to and from Nigeria are entitled to quality service and fair treatment irrespective of their chosen airline.
“Paying passengers travelling to/from Nigeria need to feel protected and respected by the carrier,” it said.
The NCAA further stated that it would continue engaging with Saudi Airlines and other carriers to promote safe, efficient and customer-focused air transport services.
“The NCAA will continue to support Saudi, and every other airline, to operate at optimal capacity,” the statement added.
