XEJET Airways fine sparks attention as NCAA sanctions airline over alleged passenger rights violations in Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has sanctioned XEJET Airways with a N2 million fine over alleged violations of passenger rights and consumer protection regulations.

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The penalty, confirmed on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, forms part of the regulator’s broader efforts to improve service delivery standards across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Speaking on the development, Achimugu said the XEJET Airways fine was linked to breaches of consumer protection rules established to safeguard passengers from poor treatment, operational failures and service-related lapses by airlines.

“Yes, it’s true, we are imposing sanctions on XEJET to the tune of N2m over violations of consumer protection,” Achimugu said.

Although the regulator did not disclose the exact infractions committed by the airline, the NCAA maintained that the sanction was intended to strengthen accountability and improve passenger experience within the industry.

Achimugu explained that while the authority remained committed to strict enforcement of aviation regulations, it was also mindful of the difficult operating environment confronting domestic carriers.

“Much as we are trying and ensuring that airlines are not regulated out of operations, we ensure that the sanction is minimal so airlines can continue to fly in Nigeria,” he stated.

The NCAA official stressed that the purpose of the sanction was corrective rather than punitive.

“N2m is manageable. You should already know that sanctions are not to make money for us but to correct wrongdoings and improve the quality of their service, that’s all,” he added.

The XEJET Airways fine comes amid growing frustration among Nigerian air travellers over persistent flight delays, cancellations, inadequate communication and poor customer service by some domestic airlines.

Several passengers have repeatedly urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to enforce stricter measures against erring operators to restore confidence in the country’s aviation industry.

One passenger, Adeniran Jones, who said she had experienced repeated delays at airport terminals, described the sanction as a positive step towards improving accountability.

“This is what passengers have been asking for. When airlines know there are consequences for poor treatment, they will sit up and do the right thing,” she said.

When contacted, spokesperson for XEJET Airways, Juliet Atikpekpe, confirmed the development but declined to provide further details.

“I can’t really speak further now. Let’s continue the conversation tomorrow. That is the only thing I can say for now,” she said.

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Industry analysts say the latest action by the NCAA could signal a tougher regulatory approach towards consumer protection issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector as authorities seek to improve standards and passenger confidence.