The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned Qatar Airways over alleged breaches of consumer protection regulations, warning that stiff sanctions will follow if the airline continues to disregard Nigerian aviation laws.

According to NCAA’s spokesperson, Mike Achimugu, the airline has repeatedly violated Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which deals with passenger rights and consumer protection.

The agency cited a recent case in which a Nigerian passenger travelling with his wife from Lagos to the United States via Doha was allegedly mistreated. The man was accused by a cabin crew member of inappropriate conduct after the flight landed in Doha, despite no complaint being raised during boarding in Lagos. NCAA said the passenger was detained for 18 hours in Qatar, forced to sign a document written only in Arabic, and later denied onward travel, compelling him to purchase new tickets at additional cost. His wife, the regulator added, suffered significant psychological distress during the ordeal.

NCAA also accused Qatar Airways of failing to cooperate with regulatory oversight in Nigeria. Despite being invited to address complaints and served with a Letter of Investigation, the airline allegedly avoided engagement, with its country manager declining to meet NCAA officials directly.

The authority stressed that it would not tolerate continued violations, warning that enforcement measures and penalties would be applied if the airline fails to comply. It added that other carriers, including Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air, have also been cautioned over similar issues.

NCAA’s Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to protecting Nigerian passengers, saying that airlines operating in the country must show full respect for consumer rights and bilateral service agreements.