Riyadh, August 23, 2023, New regulations for protecting passenger rights have been made public by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), enhancing protections for travelers impacted by airline or airport disruptions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's broader aviation industry growth aims are supported by the new laws, which are intended to improve the passenger experience. The new rules, which will take effect on November 20, 2023, will apply to all aspects of air travel, including purchasing tickets, boarding flights, providing onboard services, managing bags, and accommodating passengers with special needs, such as those who are less mobile. Through the regulations, compensation provisions have been tightened and expanded to cover events including aircraft delays, cancellations, overbooking, and unplanned layovers. In rare circumstances, reimbursement can reach 150–200% of the original ticket value, while lost or damaged baggage may result in compensation of up to 6,568 Saudi Riyals. The rules also take into account unusual travel situations, such as charter flights for the Hajj and Umrah. When a flight is delayed for more than two hours, the regulation gives passengers the option to request that their contract with the airline be terminated.
These changes reflect GACA's focus on putting the passenger first by strengthening regulations that secure better service quality for passengers, said Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Dahmash, Vice President of GACA for Quality and Passenger Experience. The rules break new ground in terms of helping travelers who experience delays, and they also further the Saudi Aviation Strategy's expansion plan for the Kingdom.
Following significant stakeholder input, including from the general public, air service providers, and international aviation sector groups, the regulations have been completed. To get ready for the implementation of the regulations, GACA is driving preparation efforts with airlines, airports, and service providers. The laws are a crucial part of achieving the Saudi Aviation Strategy's growth goals, which include connecting the Kingdom to more than 250 international destinations by 2030 and tripling passenger counts to 330 million annually. In support of the Kingdom's larger Vision 2030 goals for tourism, travel, and economic diversification, the aviation industry is seeing previously unheard-of expansion in the Kingdom.
