ABUJA — The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined RwandAir ₦15 million for allegedly failing to resolve a passenger’s baggage complaint within the timeframe stipulated under Nigeria’s aviation consumer protection regulations.

The airline has also been directed to replace the passenger’s damaged baggage and pay $170 as first-need compensation.

The NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the sanction on Friday in a post on his personal X handle.

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According to the aviation regulator, the penalty followed RwandAir’s failure to resolve the passenger’s complaint within the prescribed timeframe for handling consumer complaints in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The NCAA said the airline’s handling of the matter constituted a consumer protection-related infraction under the applicable regulations.

In addition to the ₦15 million fine, the authority directed RwandAir to replace the damaged bag and pay $170 in first-need compensation in accordance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

The NCAA said the measures were intended to ensure that passengers affected by baggage-related problems receive the remedies provided under Nigerian aviation regulations.

The regulator stated:

“The NCAA has sanctioned Rwand Air for consumer protection-related infractions. The airline has been fined a sum of FIFTEEN MILLION NAIRA for its failure to resolve a baggage issue within the stipulated timeframe.

“In addition, Rwand Air has been asked to replace the passenger’s damaged bag and pay 170 dollars as first-need compensation as stipulated by Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”

The latest sanction comes as the NCAA continues its enforcement of passenger protection regulations against airlines operating in Nigeria.

The authority has previously sanctioned both domestic and international carriers over consumer protection and other regulatory breaches.

In February 2025, five airlines — Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Aero Contractors and Air Peace — were sanctioned or subjected to penalties by the regulator over various infractions.

The latest action against RwandAir also comes shortly after the NCAA warned airlines that delays in processing passenger refunds beyond the timeframe stipulated in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 could attract regulatory sanctions.

The authority has repeatedly urged airlines to comply with the prescribed timelines for resolving passenger complaints and processing refunds, stressing the need to protect the rights of air travellers.

The NCAA’s latest enforcement action underscores its position that airlines operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s consumer protection requirements and provide appropriate remedies when passengers suffer baggage-related or other service disruptions.