Kenya Airways has paid the fine that was issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for violating passenger rights. The case included the well-known complaint made by a Nigerian traveler, Gloria Omisore.
According to a statement shared on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the airline completed the payment on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. This came after several meetings between officials of the NCAA, representatives of Kenya Airways, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, and staff from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Achimugu confirmed: “Kenya Airways has, on Wednesday 17/09/2025, paid the sanction fee as a penalty for the Gloria Omisore case and other consumer protection issues.”
He further explained that these fines are not meant to punish airlines but to encourage them to follow rules and improve their operations. The goal, he stressed, is to make sure airlines meet safety standards and treat passengers properly.
Achimugu added that although Kenya Airways has shown cooperation by paying the fine, this does not completely settle the matter. Since the deadline for resolving the issues has already passed, the NCAA will continue to monitor the case.
“The payment of sanction fines does not conclude the issues. The NCAA will follow through and is assuring both passengers and airlines of its commitment to protecting their rights and responsibilities,” he said.
He also highlighted that Kenya Airways has had a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, and this particular penalty should not overshadow the positive aspects of the airline’s partnership with the country. Still, he made it clear that the NCAA will keep enforcing aviation rules to protect passengers and ensure all airlines meet international standards.
The fine relates to an incident that took place earlier in the year. In February 2025, Nigerian traveler Gloria Omisore accused Kenya Airways of mistreating her during a disrupted trip.
Omisore had been on her way to Paris from Nigeria but was denied boarding on her connecting flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Airline staff said she needed a Schengen transit visa, which she did not have. However, Omisore insisted that Kenya Airways had earlier told her she did not need such a visa.
This visa issue left her stranded in Nairobi for a 17-hour layover, followed by an additional 10-hour delay while waiting for an alternative flight to London, which the airline eventually offered.
During the long wait, Omisore asked the airline for accommodation and care because she was tired and had health concerns. Kenya Airways refused, arguing that when boarding is denied for visa reasons, the airline is not responsible for providing hotel rooms or meals.
The situation grew tense, and at one point, a confrontation between Omisore and airline staff was recorded on video. Reports say that during the argument, Omisore threw used sanitary pads at staff members.
After the incident, the NCAA investigated the matter. The authority concluded that Kenya Airways had broken consumer protection rules and misled the public with some of its statements about the case.
On May 7, 2025, the NCAA officially sanctioned the airline. The punishment included:
- Paying 1,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international monetary unit to each of the three affected passengers, including Omisore.
- Issuing a public apology to the passengers.
With the recent fine now paid, the NCAA says it will continue to ensure airlines treat travelers fairly and uphold international aviation standards.
