NCAA Fines Airline N9.5 Million For Airspace Violation

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a fine of N9.5 million on a non-schedule airline for operating in the country without flight clearance.

This announcement was made in a statement on Sunday by the NCAA spokesman, Sam Adurogboye, who said that the Letter of Sanction conveying the penalties had been sent to Lyxor International, a non-schedule general aviation operator.

He said the NCAA sanction came after the operator severally violated the terms of its approved flight clearances for non-scheduled international air services.

Mr. Adurogboye said the NCAA found clear evidence from the flight records that the aircraft was operated within the Nigerian airspace in violation of its flight clearances between December 11, 2016 and February 15, 2017.


“Therefore, in accordance with IS 1.3.3.3. Table 2 viii (6) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig CARS 2015), the airline is hereby sanctioned for failure to comply with the conditions of approved flight clearances for non-scheduled international air services.

“This provides for a moderate civil penalty of N500,000 per violation.

“The airline is hereby required to pay the sum of N6.5 million (i.e. N500,000 x 13) for the 13 times the aircraft ought to have flown out of Nigerian airspace in compliance with the approved clearances but was stationed in Nigeria.

“In addition, for the six times the aircraft violated the approved routes, the operator shall pay a moderate civil sanction of N3 million (i.e. N500,000 x 6).

“The respondent shall however, pay the sum of N6.5 million only, having made a deposit of N3 million towards possible sanctions,” he said.

Mr. Adurogboye added that the airline was expected to pay these fines within seven days of receipt of the letter.