Ethiopian Airlines has paid the sanction fee imposed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for violations of consumer protection regulations, officials confirmed.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that this payment marks compliance by the airline and reinforces adherence to regulatory standards.
The NCAA had earlier sanctioned Ethiopian Airlines along with Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Royal Air Maroc for breaches of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. The violations included delayed refunds, mishandling of baggage, flight delays and cancellations, and failure to comply with NCAA directives. Achimugu emphasized that the sanctions are corrective, aiming to improve service quality rather than being punitive.
This payment makes Ethiopian Airlines the third international carrier in 2025 to comply with NCAA sanctions. Achimugu noted that enforcement is crucial for protecting passenger rights and ensuring airlines operate responsibly. “Our goal is to safeguard consumers and ensure all airlines adhere strictly to established guidelines,” he said.
The NCAA also achieved its first-ever sanction fee recovery from Aero Contractors, a milestone in strengthening regulatory enforcement in the aviation sector. Achimugu expressed satisfaction with the airline’s efforts to address pending refunds and compensations, stating that cooperation from carriers is essential for systemic improvements.
While Ethiopian Airlines has now settled the fee, the NCAA remains vigilant. Authorities reiterated that all airlines operating in Nigeria must meet consumer protection standards, and non-compliance will attract swift corrective measures.
Passengers and industry stakeholders welcomed the move, highlighting the importance of enforcing consumer rights in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The proactive stance by the NCAA is seen as a step toward enhancing accountability and service quality across the industry.