The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a ₦6 million fine on Saudi Airlines over consumer protection-related infractions, reaffirming its commitment to enforcing passenger rights and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.

According to the NCAA, the sanction follows the airline’s failure to address several outstanding consumer protection issues despite repeated engagements and an extended grace period granted by the regulator.

In a letter conveying the sanction to the airline, the authority noted that it had previously intervened to help Saudi Airlines avert violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja a few months ago. The NCAA said it also provided additional time for the airline to resolve pending issues and comply with determinations made by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The regulator stated that the penalty became necessary to ensure adherence to Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, which outlines consumer protection standards for airlines operating in the country.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Chris Achimugu, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“It is also hoped that the airline will improve, exponentially, its Nigeria operations,” Achimugu said.

He added that “paying passengers travelling to and from Nigeria need to feel protected and respected by the carrier.”

Despite the sanction, the NCAA reiterated its commitment to supporting Saudi Airlines and other carriers operating in Nigeria to achieve optimal operational performance while complying with the country’s aviation regulations.

The action underscores the regulator’s renewed focus on protecting air travellers and holding airlines accountable for service delivery and consumer rights violations.