NCAA Hits RwandAir with ₦15m Fine Over Delayed Baggage Resolution

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a ₦15 million fine on RwandAir for failing to resolve a passenger’s baggage complaint within the required timeframe, marking another firm enforcement action under its consumer protection rules.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced the sanction in a post on X on Friday. He stated that the airline breached regulations by not addressing the issue promptly. In addition to the fine, the authority ordered RwandAir to replace the passenger’s damaged bag and pay $170 as first-need compensation, in line with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

The $170 payment is the standard first-need reimbursement for international passengers whose checked baggage is delayed, short-landed or mishandled. It is intended to cover basic necessities while the airline locates or replaces the luggage. Domestic passengers are entitled to ₦10,000 under the same rules. Airlines are also required to deliver delayed bags to passengers’ addresses free of charge within specified periods.

Achimugu’s statement read: “The NCAA has sanctioned Rwand Air for consumer protection-related infractions. The airline has been fined a sum of FIFTEEN MILLION NAIRA for its failure to resolve a baggage issue within stipulated timeframe. In addition, Rwand Air has been asked to replace the passenger’s damaged bag and pay 170 dollars as first-need compensation as stipulated by Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”

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The action forms part of the NCAA’s sustained crackdown on carriers that delay refunds, ignore directives or mishandle luggage. In late 2024 and early 2025 the authority sanctioned five operators—Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines, Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Royal Air Maroc—for similar breaches, including missing or damaged bags, flight disruptions and refund failures. Saudi Airlines later received a ₦6 million penalty, while other carriers such as Kenya Airways have also faced and paid fines.

Baggage problems remain a frequent source of passenger complaints in Nigeria. The regulator has repeatedly warned that non-compliance with Part 19 timelines will attract sanctions, emphasising that travellers who pay high fares deserve timely redress and respectful treatment.
RwandAir, which operates regional and international routes into Nigeria, has not publicly commented on the latest penalty. The NCAA has indicated it will continue monitoring compliance across both foreign and domestic airlines to improve service standards and protect passenger rights.