Kenya Airways has complied with the sanction penalties imposed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), paying its fine on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The payment followed a series of meetings, including a courtesy visit by the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, officials from the airline, and representatives from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Director Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu announced the compliance on his official ‘X’ handle.
The sanction penalties arose from the widely publicised case of Gloria Omisore, alongside other consumer protection breaches. NCAA clarified that its enforcement actions are not punitive.
Instead, sanction penalties are designed to correct operational lapses, improve flight safety, and ensure airlines treat passengers with fairness.
Commending Kenya Airways for its compliance, NCAA noted that payment alone does not close the matter. “The time-frame for resolving the initial complaints has long expired,” the regulator explained.
“Therefore, while the sanction penalties have been settled, we will continue monitoring until all passenger-related issues are fully addressed.”
NCAA stressed that the penalties protect both passengers and airlines by enforcing accountability. According to the regulator, sanctions improve operational efficiency, uphold international aviation standards, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to safe, reliable air transport.
Kenya Airways acknowledged the sanction penalties and pledged to strengthen its Nigerian operations. Airline representatives described Nigeria as a critical market, affirming cooperation with NCAA to restore passenger confidence and improve customer experience.
Industry experts observe that sanction penalties of this kind are not new in Nigeria. NCAA has, in recent years, imposed similar measures on both domestic and foreign airlines for failing to comply with consumer protection rules.
Infractions typically include excessive delays, flight cancellations without adequate compensation, and poor passenger handling. By applying sanction penalties consistently, NCAA demonstrates its determination to safeguard travellers’ rights while fostering fair competition among airlines.
Kenya Airways has a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, operating routes to Lagos and Abuja. The airline continues to enjoy goodwill among travellers, and the sanction penalties are considered case-specific regulatory actions rather than a wider judgment of its services.
For passengers, the case underscores the importance of reporting infractions. NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate remains open to complaints and routinely investigates issues before applying sanction penalties. The regulator assures the public that such actions are intended to improve service delivery, not damage airline reputations.
Globally, civil aviation authorities impose sanction penalties as part of oversight responsibilities. In Nigeria, these penalties also align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring that airlines adhere to best practices.
As Kenya Airways moves forward, industry stakeholders will watch how the airline addresses its Nigerian operations post-sanction. The settlement of sanction penalties represents an important step, but restoring trust requires sustained improvements in service quality.
—
