New Saudi Airline Passenger Rules: Everything You Need to Know

New Saudi Airline Passenger Rules: Everything You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia announced new airline rules for passengers including compensations for delayed planes and lost luggage. Announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the rules are designed to enhance passenger experience.

The new rules are set to come into effect from November 20, 2023 and will span across all areas including air travel, boarding, ticketing, in-flight services, baggage handling and more.

As part of the new guidelines, passengers could be reimbursed for up to 200 percent of the cost of the ticket in certain circumstances.

New Saudi airline rules

- Compensation for situations including flight delays, cancellations, overbooking and unplanned stopovers could result in a compensation of 150-200 percent of the original ticket value.

- Lost or damaged baggage could be entitled to compensations of approximately SR6,568 ($1,750).

- New regulations will also cater to unique flights such as Hajj or Umrah charter flights.

- In case of a flight delay of over two hours, passengers can request for termination of the contract with the air carrier.

“These changes reflect GACA’s focus on putting the passenger first, by strengthening regulations that secure better service quality for passengers. The regulations cover new ground in supporting passengers affected by travel disruptions and support the kingdom’s broader Saudi Aviation