NCAA Imposes $170 and N10,000 Fines for Passenger Luggage Delays

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced strict penalties for airlines that fail to deliver passengers' luggage on time.

Effective immediately, foreign airlines will face fines of $170, while local carriers will incur a penalty of ₦10,000 for each instance of delayed luggage.

During a recent event at the Lagos airport aimed at educating travelers ahead of the holiday season, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing these sanctions.

He expressed concern that many air travellers remain unaware of their rights, which has allowed airlines to neglect their responsibilities.

Achimugu highlighted that passengers could claim compensation for missing luggage—up to $1,000 for domestic flights and 1,288 Special Drawing Rights for international journeys.

He urged travellers to claim their rights when faced with luggage delays, noting that many do not realize they can demand compensation directly from the airline's counter.

To further empower passengers, the NCAA has launched a new website designed to facilitate complaints and increase awareness of consumer rights within the aviation sector.

Achimugu stated that this initiative aims to eliminate ignorance surrounding NCAA regulations and improve accountability among airlines.

The roadshow will extend beyond Lagos to include events in Abuja and Port Harcourt, reinforcing the NCAA's message across major travel hubs in Nigeria.