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Tag: Qatar Airways

  • NCAA warns Qatar Airways over alleged passenger maltreatment, vows stiff sanctions

    NCAA warns Qatar Airways over alleged passenger maltreatment, vows stiff sanctions

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned Qatar Airways against disregarding its regulations and mistreating Nigerian passengers.

    Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on X handle on Friday, accused the airline of treating both passengers and the Authority with disdain.

    He said the NCAA will impose stiff penalties on any airline that violates its rules.

    Achimugu cited a recent incident in which a Nigerian passenger was arrested in Doha following an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a cabin crew member, fined, and barred from further travel despite compliance with imposed sanctions.

    The post read, “The airline @qatarairways has carried on as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of their respect, dignified treatment, and compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. This will be brought to a stop immediately.

    “A member of this airline’s cabin crew claimed that, while she was wheeling a passenger during boarding for a flight from Lagos to the US via Doha, a male passenger who was travelling with his wife had touched her butt.

    “She did not report this incident in Lagos. On arrival in Doha, she made an allegation against this passenger, leading to his arrest and detention for about eighteen hours. During the period, his wife suffered mental, physical, and psychological trauma without any form of care. She wondered how her husband could have committed such a despicable infraction, given that she was with him throughout the boarding process.

    “The authorities in Doha made the man pay a hefty fine and forced him to sign a document written only in Arabic. Desperate for freedom to proceed on his journey to the US, the passenger signed a document whose contents he did not understand.

    “Despite this, the airline refused to fly him to his final destination. He had to buy tickets on another airline and proceed at great financial and reputational cost”.

    Read Also: Qatar Airways holidays launches UEFA Champions League Final 2025 travel packages

    On steps taken to address the case, he stated, “Upon invitation by the NCAA, the airline’s country manager, who has a penchant for evading meetings with the NCAA, only sent his subordinates to attend. However, the NCAA made a determination on that matter along with others. As has become typical of @qatarairways, they failed to comply with all determinations made from that meeting. They have also failed to treat subsequent complaints from other passengers escalated to them by the CAA, including a total silence upon receipt of a letter of investigation (LOI) sent to them by the NCAA. This behaviour stops now.

    “I understand that some countries do not have advanced aviation consumer protection regulations like Nigeria does. In certain cases, some countries don’t even have any. This creates a situation where airlines operating out of those countries (mostly national carriers) act with disdain towards consumer protection enforcement in Nigeria”.

    On the action the NCAA intends to take, Achimugu stated, “This is not a situation that we would accept here. It is against the law for any Airline not to respond to the NCAA. It is against the law to provide false information to the NCAA. It is against the law to fail to comply with the provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

    “When BASAs are signed, they must be respected by both parties. Every airline is expected to, upon approval to operate in Nigeria, understand and comply with consumer protection regulations.

    “To continue to treat our laws with contempt while respecting regulations across Europe and elsewhere is not ideal and must be brought to a complete and final stop.

    “This department protects the airlines as much as it protects passengers. The DGCA, Captain Chris Najomo, has never minced words about his position on consumer protection issues, and we will apply appropriate and stiff penalties against the airlines that, in perpetuity, fail to comply”.

    He also revealed that Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have also been advised about certain infractions, adding that failure to comply with the determinations of the CAA will attract heavy sanctions.

  • Fed Govt to arraign MultiChoice, Qatar Airways CEOs, others October 7

    Fed Govt to arraign MultiChoice, Qatar Airways CEOs, others October 7

    • Companies accused of breaching FCCPC Act

    The Federal Government has said it will arraign the Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, John Ugbe, over allegations of breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

    Justice James Omotosho fixed the date yesterday after counsel to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Chizenum Nsitem, made the application due to the defendants’ absence in court.

    Others to be arraigned alongside the duo are six top officers of the pay-Tv company, including the CEO of MultiChoice Africa Holdings, Fhulufhelo Badugela; the Chief Financial Officer, Africa, Retiel Tromp; and the Group Executive for Corporate Affairs, Keabetswe Modimoeng.

    The other accused persons also include a director, Adebusola Bello; Fuad Ogunsanya; Gozie Onumonu, who is the Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, and the company itself.

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    When the matter was called yesterday, none of the defendants was in court due to improper service of the court documents, including the hearing notice, on them.

    The prosecuting agency’s lawyer sought an adjournment to enable them to do the needful, and the judge adjourned the matter till October 7 for the defendants to take their plea.

    The government also said it will arraign the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways, Mr. Temi Birdzell, alongside the company and its top officers on October 7 for alleged breach of the FCCPC Act, 2018.

    The defendants will be arraigned before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Others to be arraigned with Birdzell are: the Account Manager of the airline, Stella Ihediwa; the Country Manager, Kennedy Chirchir; and the Sales Manager of the company, Eva Ojeje.

    Although the arraignment was scheduled for yesterday, the matter could not proceed.

    Upon resumed hearing, none of the defendants was in court.

    When the matter was called, none of the defendants was in court due to improper service of the court documents, including the hearing notice, on them.

    FCCPC’s lawyer, Chizenum Nsitem, told the court of the agency’s inability to serve four of the defendants, although the company was served.

    Nsitem sought an adjournment to enable them to do the needful, and the judge adjourned the matter till October 7 for the defendants to take their plea.

  • Qatar Airways holidays launches UEFA Champions League Final 2025 travel packages

    Qatar Airways holidays launches UEFA Champions League Final 2025 travel packages

    Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, is turning football fans’ dreams into a reality with the launch of exclusive travel packages for the world’s most prestigious club competition match, the UEFA Champions League final 2025.

     As the Official Airline Partner of the UEFA Champions League, the award-winning airline is proud to announce a limited opportunity for fans to secure complete travel packages which include flights, hotel accommodation and match tickets to the final, taking place in Munich on 31 May 2025.

    Qatar Airways brings football fans closer to the action, offering a unique opportunity to secure a seat at the UEFA Champions League final, one of the most sought-after spectacles in world sport. 

    With these all-inclusive travel packages, fans will not only secure flights and accommodation but category one UEFA Champions League final match tickets, which are also seamlessly integrated for a hassle-free experience. 

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    This means fans can focus on the thrill of one of the world’s most iconic football events while enjoying the unmatched convenience, luxury and quality Qatar Airways is known for.

    The opportunity to collect Avios and Qpoints on your flights, as well as on the total package value

    The option to redeem packages using Cash + Avios for even greater savings.

    Qatar Airways Holidays Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds, said: “Attending the UEFA Champions League final is a dream for millions of football fans. With our seamless travel packages, Qatar Airways is making that dream a reality. 

    “These packages reflect our commitment to delivering world-class experiences, all while driving leisure travel and creating new opportunities for our Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios.”

    Football enthusiasts across the GCC, Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond can now easily secure their spot at one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, these packages provide convenience and accessibility through Qatar Airways Holidays’ user-friendly booking platform.

    The UEFA Champions League final is the ultimate stage of European football, where the continent’s elite clubs battle for glory in a thrilling showdown. 

    This iconic event combines unforgettable moments, a vibrant stadium atmosphere, and the excitement of seeing the world’s best players compete for the prestigious title. 

    The UEFA Champions League final packages offer fans a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event up close and be part of football history.

  • Access Bank, Qatar Airways extend discounted fares

    Access Bank, Qatar Airways extend discounted fares

    In efforts to further ease financial barriers to air travel, multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airlines has extended its partnership with Access Bank for up to 12 per cent discount on both business and economy class tickets to Access Bank customers who book their flights online using Qatar Airways’ website.

    From now till December 31st, 2024.  Access Bank customers, using the promo code “ACCESS”, can book flights to any destination in the world and travel.

    Qatar Airways stated that the partnership underscored its commitment to streamline travel within and across African markets by delivering first-rate services and offerings to passengers.

    Vice President, Africa, Qatar Airways, Hendrik du Preez, said through diversified methods of payment and exclusive rewards, Qatar Airways has continued to ensure traveling and flight bookings remain seamless and accessible to travelers.

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    “As we are in the summer season and passengers tend to want to travel to spend time with loved ones, our priority at Qatar Airways remains broadening opportunities to travel for our passengers in the African market.

    “Although Africa stands as the most underserved market, we strongly believe in the power of partnerships like these in transforming travel within the continent. We are proud to partner with respected pan-African financial institutions like Access Bank to provide innovative incentives for passengers and customers,” Du Preez said.

    The announcement comes on the heels of Qatar Airways’ recent expansion of routes across the African continent along with increased flight frequencies in various locations – solidifying its network of destinations to over 160 destinations globally.

    Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Access Bank, Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.

    “Our team is delighted to collaborate with Qatar Airways to bring exceptional travel benefits to our valued customers. This offering aligns with our commitment to enhancing the overall experience for those who choose Access Bank and continue to do so every year. By providing exclusive discounts on Qatar Airways flights, we aim to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for our customers,” Soji-Okusanya said.

  • Qatar Airways to increase flight frequencies to South Africa

    Qatar Airways will increase its weekly flights on its popular routes to South Africa from July 2019.

    Weekly flight frequencies to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest metropolis, will increase from from July 14 to 18, rising to 19 in August.

    A further two flights will be added to the airline’s winter schedule, taking the total number of weekly frequencies to 21 by the end of October.

    In addition, passengers hoping to soak up some sun on some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenic beaches, will be able to take advantage of the addition of three extra flights on the Cape Town route, taking the total from seven to 10, from October 27 2019.

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The latest additional services to both Johannesburg and Cape Town reflect the growing demand for travel to and from these popular South African destinations. As the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg has emerged as one of our key regional destinations for both leisure and business travelers alike since its introduction in 2005. With its mix of nature, culture and wildlife, Cape Town is another hugely popular regional destination, offering a unique and memorable experience for our passengers.

    “We are pleased to be increasing our frequencies to these fantastic cities, and once again confirm our commitment to providing Qatar Airways’ passengers with an even greater choice of travel options to key global destinations.”

    A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

    Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

  • Drama over Qatar Airways’ failure to airlift passengers

    THERE was confusion at the Departure Hall of Lagos International Airport yesterday over Qatar Airways’ failure to airlift stranded passengers for two-day running.

    The aggrieved passengers besieged the airline’s check-in counter demanding to be put on any available flight to enable them meet up with their engagements outside the country.

    They had on Sunday boarded the flight at 10a.m en-route Doha to connect to their respective destinations only to be disembarked due to operational reasons.

    One of the passengers, Rev. Segun Agbetuyi, said they were taken to the hotel later on Sunday.

    “They woke us all up at 4.30a.m this morning (yesterday) to bring us to the airport for boarding only to get to the airport and find that little arrangement had been made,” he said.

    Lagos Airport Police Command spokesperson Joseph Alabi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), who confirmed the development, said the issue had been resolved.

    He said: “They have left since and the issue has been resolved. I learnt that there was a delay and the passengers were not happy.

    “However, when I arrived, I saw things moving smoothly at the check-in and I was informed that arrangement had been made to convey them to their destinations.”

    On his part, a media consultant to the airline who simply gave his name as Mr. Mike, said the passengers were agitated because they had been in the hotel for two days and their flights had been delayed.

    “They need to get to their destinations and so when they came in here, it was crowded. But we have sorted out the issue and put some of them on the flight. The few of them that is remaining, we are taking them to other airlines,” he said.

  • Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc begin joint business

    Qatar Airways has signed a business partnership agreement with Royal Air Maroc, a statement by the Moroccan carrier has said.

    The statement quoted the Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, and the Royal Air Maroc’s Chairman, Mr. Driss Benhima, as saying that the agreement involved commercial cooperation, which would result in significant benefits for passengers of both airlines.

    According to the statement, Royal Air Maroc will operate three weekly flights between Casablanca and Doha.

    The agreement was signed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of journalists and travel trade partners.

    It said the join business would benefit passengers by providing better links between Qatar and Morocco, greater choice of flights to more destinations and enhanced frequent flyer benefits, adding that with the new agreement, passengers would be able to purchase a single itinerary combining flights on both carriers’ global networks, affording them the ease of one stop ticketing and baggage check in.

    The statement read: “Royal Air Maroc will be operating three weekly flights with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Doha complimenting Qatar Airways’ existing seven times weekly to Casablanca, giving passengers the flexibility of using a combination of flights from both airlines and aligned fares on their journey to and from Qatar and Morocco, significantly increasing their options.

    “Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc will also be improving flight transfers for passengers through enhancing and expanding the code share network beyond their respective hub cities of Doha and Casablanca”

    The Royal Air Maroc boss was quoted as saying that “the Moroccan company is pleased to conclude the historic partnership that consolidates fraternal relations between the two countries”

    He said:“This agreement is a crucial phase in the history of the Royal Air Maroc since it allows a bridge between Asia and African that will facilitate the movement of customers in the best conditions due to the extensive network of Qatar Airways in Asia and the dense network of Royal Air Maroc in Africa by transiting through the hubs of the two companies”.

  • Qatar Airways partners Aspire Academy

    Qatar Airways has announced its partnership with Aspire Academy to support this year’s edition of the Aspire Football Dreams project by forming “Qatar Airways and Aspire Academy  Football Dreams Africa”.

    Aspire Football Dreams is a fascinating and unique project aimed at empowering the development of youth by identifying and training young football talent. As part of the Football Dreams project this year, Aspire Academy has begun scouting for football talent in Africa. Once selected, finalists will be offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train in Barcelona and play a friendly game against one of the world’s most popular football clubs FC Barcelona’s youth team.

    As FC Barcelona’s global main sponsor, Qatar Airways has been associated with a series of initiatives, involving the world-renowned football team in order to spread the love of football to all corners of the world. Football Dreams Africa is the latest initiative that will offer talented young footballers in Africa dedicated training and a memorable experience of playing with one of the world’s best football teams.

    Commenting on the partnership with Aspire Academy, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways has a proud tradition of supporting meaningful socially relevant initiatives and we believe that the Qatar Airways & Aspire Academy  Football Dreams Africa project is an excellent opportunity to make the dreams of young footballers in Africa come true. We aim to use this project as a platform to nurture the budding football talent and highlight the effectiveness of sports as a key development tool.

    “Giving young people in Africa the chance to fulfil their potential while being able to make a big step towards becoming a professional football player has been very important for Aspire Academy in the past and we are happy and proud to have partnered with Qatar Airways on this project,” said Ivan Bravo, Director- General of Aspire Academy, on the new partnership.

    Javier Faus, First VP and the Head of FC Barcelona Finance and Strategy Department, said: “This is one more example of the projects resulting from our sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways. Through this joint initiative with Aspire and Qatar Airways, Barça is offering the possibility for young footballers, in this case from the African continent, to be able to enjoy a unique experience and, at the same time, is reasserting its commitment to sport as a part of education.”

  • Qatar Airways increases frequency to Dubai routes

    Qatar Airways increases frequency to Dubai routes

    Effective October  26th, this year, Qatar Airways will be increasing frequency on its very popular Doha  Dubai routes with additional daily flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

    Doha (DOH)  Dubai (DXB) has the highest frequency in Qatar Airways’ route network is a popular Gulf route currently served by the airline 91 times a week, and will be increasing to 98 flights a week. DWC, which is currently served 21 times per week, will be increasing to 28 flights-per-week from October 26th.

    Qatar Airways revised its Doha and DXB departure timings to significantly improve customer convenience. The 14 daily flights will depart from DOH on the hour and from DXB on the half hour. With the convenient timing of the flights, local passengers will have greater flexibility added to their travel plans.

    Apart from DXB and DWC, Qatar Airways also currently operates three-flights-a-day to Sharjah (SHJ) and six daily flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), and is the only airline which operates to these four airports within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are dedicated to increasing our presence in key markets like the UAE and adding capacity on one of our most popular routes like Dubai demonstrates this commitment.”

  • Qatar Airways frequent flyers get enhanced benefit

    Qatar Airways frequent flyers get enhanced benefit

    QATAR Airways’ frequent flyer programme, Privilege Club, recently launched enhanced benefits and services exclusively for members residing in Qatar at Oryx Galleria. Oryx Galleria is now the full-service offering concept store for Privilege Club members in Qatar to redeem their Qmiles within a unique and customised environment. This enhanced member services will maximise simplicity and convenience for those who prefer personalised customer service interaction.

    Commenting on the occasion, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Marwan Koleilat said: “Qatar Airways has over 400,000 Privilege Club members residing in Qatar and we always strive to provide them with exclusive privileges and enhanced benefits that will make their travel with Qatar Airways even more rewarding. Therefore we are pleased to introduce the Privilege Club Member Service Centre which has been designed to provide our members with convenience, simplicity and exclusivity within an environment tailored for their needs.”

    Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice-President, Keith Hunter, stated on this occasion: “Oryx Galleria offers exciting retail possibilities within a stylish boutique environment, the perfect place to spend Qmiles on a wide range of products. Privilege Club members in Qatar will be able to shop and redeem their Qmiles on products ranging from luxury watches and jewellery to electronics and gadgets, fashion apparel and accessories, fragrances, toys and much more.”Redeeming Qmiles was never easier. All members have to do is visit Oryx Galleria, choose from the vast selection of products or services and present their membership card and photo ID to the service staff for instant redemption. Members will continue to enjoy an expanded range of redemption options and will be able to choose to redeem their purchases entirely with Qmiles or through a combination of Qmiles and cash.