Kenya Airways (KQ) has paid a fine to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after being found in violation of consumer protection rules. The penalty follows the viral case of Gloria Omisore, a Nigerian passenger whose heated confrontation with airline staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) earlier this year sparked global debate.
The incident occurred in February 2025, when Ms. Omisore was traveling from Lagos to Nairobi, Paris, and then Manchester. Upon arrival in Nairobi, KQ staff discovered she lacked a valid Schengen Visa, a requirement for entry into European Union countries.
KQ reportedly offered her an alternative route through London to Manchester, but she declined and demanded accommodation instead. When the airline refused, a heated altercation ensued at the transfer desk, escalating dramatically when Ms. Omisore allegedly hurled three used sanitary pads at the airline staff.
Her self-recorded video of the standoff quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention on social media.
NCAA Confirms Sanction Payment
After months of deliberations involving the NCAA, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, and airline officials, Kenya Airways officially paid the sanction fee on September 17, 2025.
According to Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the sanction is not meant as punishment but as a step toward improving safety, customer service, and passenger handling protocols.
“Payment of sanction fines does not conclude the issues,” Achimugu noted. “The regulator will continue monitoring to protect the rights of both passengers and airlines.”
Kenya Airways Yet to Comment
While confirming compliance with the fine, KQ has not issued a fresh statement on the matter. The airline maintains strong operational ties with Nigeria, one of its key markets in West Africa.
The NCAA stressed that beyond the fine, Kenya Airways is still required to resolve the underlying passenger complaints.
