Saudi Airlines mum over N6m NCAA sanction

Saudi Airlines has yet to respond to enquiries following a N6m sanction imposed on it by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for alleged violations of consumer protection regulations.

Attempts by our correspondent to obtain the airline’s response were unsuccessful, as an email sent to the carrier had not received a reply as of the time this report was filed.

The NCAA announced the sanction on its X handle on Friday, stating that the penalty stemmed from the airline’s failure to resolve multiple outstanding consumer complaints despite repeated interventions and an extended grace period granted by the regulator.

The Authority said it had earlier stepped in during a tense incident involving the airline at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where its officials helped avert a breakdown of law and order following passengers’ complaints.

Rather than immediately impose sanctions, the NCAA said it opted for dialogue and gave the airline additional time to resolve outstanding consumer protection issues and comply with regulatory directives.

However, the regulator stated that the airline’s continued failure to meet its obligations left it with no option but to impose the sanction in line with 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 stressed that the sanction was not intended to hinder the airline’s operations but to ensure greater accountability and improved service delivery for passengers.

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

Reiterating its commitment to protecting passengers’ rights, the NCAA said travellers to and from Nigeria deserve quality service and respect regardless of the airline they choose.

“Paying passengers travelling to/from Nigeria need to feel protected and respected by the carrier,” it said.

The Authority added that it would continue to work with Saudi Airlines and other operators to promote safe, efficient and customer-friendly air transport services.

“The NCAA will continue to support Saudi, and every other airline, to operate at optimal capacity,” the statement added.