Saudi GACA: 200% of airfare as compensation for disabled passengers if not provided with required services

Saudi GACA: 200% of airfare as compensation for disabled passengers if not provided with required services

JEDDAH — There are specific provisions in the new regulations for the protection of the rights of passengers to guarantee all the rights of passengers with physical disability and special needs, Okaz/Saudi Gazette has learnt.

These include compensation worth 200 percent of airfare in the event of failure of providing them with the required travel facilities and services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is currently making finishing touches to the regulations.

The proposed regulations prohibit the air carrier from asking people with disabilities and special needs to sign for concessions; giving up the services or accommodation that they may obtain, or any waiver of responsibility related to damages or losses that they may suffer with regard to devices for their mobility.

Compensation equivalent to 200 percent of the total value of the confirmed travel ticket shall be paid to them if the air carrier breaches its obligations with regard to the provision of appropriate flight facilities and services for the traveler with disabilities and special needs.

According to the draft regulations, the air carrier must comply with the schedule of the announced flights and the flight timings shown in the reservation, unless security and safety reasons require otherwise. The air carrier must inform