Saudi Arabia has implemented new airline compensation regulations effective from November 20. These rules ensure substantial compensations for travelers facing flight delays, cancellations, and baggage issues.
Key provisions include a 750-riyal (Dh734) payout for flight delays exceeding six hours, and a remarkable 150% refund of the ticket value for cancellations. Passengers experiencing lost or damaged baggage are entitled to a compensation of 6,568 Saudi riyals (Dh6,431).
The regulations, announced in August, aim to create a better passenger experience by addressing common travel challenges such as overbooking, unscheduled stopovers, and improper baggage handling. They also extend to unique situations like Haj and Umrah charter flights.
Below is a detailed list of the compensation amounts under the new rules:
Flight delays over 6 hours: 750 Saudi riyals (Dh734) [Cancellation option available for delays over 2 hours]
- Flight cancellations: 150% of the ticket price
- Unscheduled stops: 500 Saudi riyals
- Lost or damaged baggage: 6,568 Saudi riyals (Dh6,431)
- Delayed baggage (first day): 740 Saudi riyals (Dh725)
- Delayed baggage (from second day): 6,568 Saudi riyals (Dh6,431)
- Reduced carriage: 200% of the ticket price
- Failure to provide a wheelchair for disabled passengers: 500 Saudi riyals (Dh490)
- Denied boarding: 200% of the ticket value (with a monetary refund)
- Denied boarding for disabled passengers: 200% of the ticket value