RwandAir hit With ₦15 Million fine in Nigeria

Nigeria’s aviation regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has fined RwandAir ₦15 million (approximately US$10,000) for allegedly failing to comply with regulations governing the protection of air passengers’ rights.

NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu announced the sanction on Friday in a post on his official X account, saying the penalty followed the airline’s failure to resolve, within the prescribed timeframe, a passenger complaint concerning damaged baggage.

According to the regulator, RwandAir breached Nigeria’s passenger protection regulations by failing to address the baggage-related complaint within the period stipulated under the applicable aviation rules. The NCAA said airlines operating in Nigeria are required to handle passenger complaints and baggage claims within clearly defined timelines.

In addition to the ₦15 million fine, the NCAA ordered RwandAir to replace the passenger’s damaged suitcase and pay US$170 in compensation. The regulator said the compensation was imposed under Section 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which provides for compensation and other remedies in cases involving baggage-related complaints.

The sanction underscores the NCAA’s continued enforcement of passenger protection rules against both domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

The regulator has previously taken disciplinary action against several carriers over alleged violations of aviation regulations. In February 2025, five airlines—including Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Aero Contractors and Air Peace—were sanctioned over various regulatory breaches.

The NCAA has also repeatedly warned airlines that failure to resolve passenger complaints or process eligible ticket refunds within the timeframes established by Nigerian regulations could result in enforcement action.