FG to Fine Royal Air Maroc Up to N300m Over Regulatory Violations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to impose a fine of up to N300 million on Royal Air Maroc for alleged unprofessional conduct and failure to comply with aviation regulations. This penalty could become the largest sanction ever in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed that the regulatory body was preparing the case against the airline for its repeated infractions.

“We are preparing heavier sanctions against Royal Air Maroc. It could potentially be the biggest sanction in Nigeria’s aviation history,” Achimugu revealed. He added that the airline had been unprofessional and unresponsive to inquiries from Nigerian authorities, which he stated was a violation of NCAA regulations.

The NCAA is considering a fine in the range of N200 million to N300 million for the Moroccan carrier. Achimugu highlighted that the airline had been flagged as a repeat offender, prompting the NCAA to launch a thorough investigation into its operations.

“We are gathering all the facts to ensure that Nigerian passengers will receive world-class service from all airlines operating in Nigeria,” he stated. The enforcement action is still in the early stages of legal processing, with Achimugu noting that it had yet to reach the sanctioning phase.

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“The initiation of enforcement action is in progress, but it is not yet a sanction. It is undergoing legal processes,” he explained. He emphasized that the NCAA would adhere strictly to due process before final sanctions are imposed.

Achimugu also confirmed that the NCAA is closely monitoring other airlines for compliance, having recently taken enforcement actions against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors following passenger complaints.

The case against Royal Air Maroc stems from a series of passenger grievances, notably when an Abuja-bound flight from Casablanca was forced to make an emergency landing in Marrakesh due to a technical fault. Nigerian passengers were left stranded without adequate provisions, prompting the government to intervene.

In response, the Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, directed the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department to address the situation with Royal Air Maroc. While the NCAA’s preliminary investigation found that some refreshments were provided to stranded passengers, visa restrictions in Morocco reportedly prevented the airline from providing proper accommodation.

The NCAA has since summoned the airline’s management to ensure that the situation is rectified and that such incidents do not recur in the future.