RwandAir Hit With ₦15m Fine As NCAA Rules On Passenger’s Damaged Luggage

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has imposed a ₦15 million fine on RwandAir over its handling of a passenger’s complaint concerning damaged baggage.

The airline has also been directed to replace the damaged luggage and pay the affected passenger $170 as first-need compensation in line with Nigeria’s aviation consumer protection regulations.

According to Bush Radio Academy, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu disclosed the sanction on Friday in a post on his personal account.

The aviation regulator explained that the penalty followed RwandAir’s failure to resolve the passenger’s baggage complaint within the timeframe prescribed under Nigeria’s consumer protection rules.

The NCAA said the airline failed to address the complaint in accordance with the provisions governing the treatment of passengers and the resolution of consumer-related issues within the Nigerian aviation sector.

In addition to the ₦15 million financial penalty, RwandAir was ordered to replace the damaged bag and pay $170 in first-need compensation as provided under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

The regulator explained that the relevant provisions provide compensation and other remedies for passengers who experience baggage-related problems during air travel.

The NCAA said the latest sanction forms part of its continued efforts to protect the rights of air passengers and ensure that airlines operating in Nigeria comply with established consumer protection requirements.

The authority also warned that airlines must treat passenger complaints promptly and within the stipulated regulatory timeframe or risk facing sanctions.

The NCAA has previously taken regulatory action against both local and international airlines over consumer protection violations and other breaches of aviation regulations.

In February 2025, the authority sanctioned several airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Aero Contractors and Air Peace, over various infractions, with different penalties imposed or considered.

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