The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is preparing to meet with Kenya Airways following the airline’s request to discuss the recent N3 million fine imposed over its alleged mistreatment of a Nigerian passenger, Gloria Omisore.
Speaking in an interview, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that Kenya Airways had officially responded to the regulatory body and sought a meeting to explain its position on the matter. “The airline has responded. They have asked to have a meeting with us to try to explain their side of things,” Achimugu said, adding that the NCAA remains open to dialogue with all aviation stakeholders.
He further disclosed that Kenya Airways had indicated that the upcoming meeting would include representatives from its civil aviation authority, its consulate in Nigeria, and top-level executives from the airline. “They are not just coming for Gloria’s case, but especially for Gloria’s case,” he noted.
Although no specific date has been fixed, the NCAA is looking to schedule the meeting in mid-June due to its current workload. Achimugu stated that the NCAA is treating the matter with due seriousness and would provide further updates after the meeting takes place. He also confirmed that the affected passenger, Omisore, had personally expressed gratitude for the authority’s efforts to uphold her rights.
The case dates back to February 2025, when the NCAA initiated enforcement actions against Kenya Airways after Omisore was flown from Lagos to Nairobi without the required France transit visa for her onward trip to Manchester. The oversight resulted in a 17-hour layover in Nairobi and an additional 10-hour wait. During this time, Omisore, who was experiencing a medical condition, reportedly received inadequate support from the airline’s staff.
The incident gained public attention and prompted swift action from the NCAA. The regulatory authority found Kenya Airways culpable of multiple consumer protection violations, including failure to provide necessary care, issuing a misleading statement, and poor communication with both the passenger and the NCAA.
After summoning the airline’s Nigerian management to Abuja, the NCAA received a formal apology, with Kenya Airways acknowledging that its initial statement about the incident had been misleading.
On May 7, 2025, the NCAA imposed a N3 million fine on the airline and mandated compensation of 1,000 Special Drawing Rights (approximately $1,300) to each affected passenger, including Omisore, with a compliance deadline of seven days.
The upcoming meeting between the NCAA and Kenya Airways is expected to address lingering concerns and reinforce regulatory expectations for airlines operating within Nigerian airspace.
