NCAA hits RwandAir with N15m fine over baggage issue

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined RwandAir N15 million for not solving a passenger’s baggage complaint on time.

The NCAA also told the airline to replace the passenger’s damaged bag and pay $170 for first-need compensation.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, shared the news on Friday.

“The NCAA has sanctioned Rwand Air for consumer protection-related infractions,” Mr Achimugu said in a post on X.

He explained that the fine was due to the airline's failure to resolve the baggage issue within the required timeframe.

The order for additional compensation and bag replacement comes from Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2023. This part outlines protections for air passengers, including baggage matters.

What the regulations say

According to Part 19, passengers on international flights whose baggage is delayed can get $170 in first-need compensation. This is meant to cover urgent needs while they wait for their luggage. The rules also say passengers should get compensation if their baggage is lost or damaged due to the airline's fault.

The NCAA insists that airlines in Nigeria must follow these consumer protection rules. Passengers can take any unresolved complaints to the authority’s Consumer Protection Department.

This latest fine is part of the NCAA's ongoing efforts to improve how passengers’ baggage is handled and tracked.

In August, the NCAA announced plans to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at domestic and international terminals. This is to enhance the tracking of checked luggage and reduce the number of missing and misrouted bags.