Kenya Airways has complied with the sanction imposed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Settling a penalty linked to consumer rights violations, including the high-profile case of Nigerian passenger Gloria Omisore.
The airline paid the fine on September 17, 2025, six months after the sanction was announced.Confirming the development. NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the payment followed several meetings involving the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport officials, and the airline’s representatives.
While acknowledging the settlement, he emphasized that the payment did not close the case. As the timeframe for addressing the complaints had already lapsed.The sanction stemmed from an incident in February 2025. Omisore was denied boarding at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during a return trip to Manchester via Paris.
Despite earlier assurances from Kenya Airways that she did not require a Schengen transit visa. She was barred from flying, left stranded for hours, and denied accommodation or medical assistance.
The confrontation that followed went viral, sparking outrage in Nigeria. Following its investigation, the NCAA ruled that the airline had breached consumer protection regulations.
On May 7, 2025, it imposed a ₦3 million fine, ordered compensation of 1,000 Special Drawing Rights for three affected passengers, and demanded a public apology. Although negotiations delayed compliance, Kenya Airways eventually settled the fine.
The NCAA commended the payment but reiterated that sanctions are corrective, designed to improve safety and passenger-handling standards. Achimugu stressed that the authority will continue oversight to protect travelers’ rights.
Analysts believe the case sends a strong signal to airlines. Nigeria will not tolerate passenger mistreatment. For travelers, it reinforces the importance of knowing their rights under aviation regulations, while for airlines, it underscores the need for full compliance in Nigeria’s airspace.
