GACA Passenger Protection Regulations Secure 58 Million Riyals in Refunds for Travelers Over Two Years

17 September 2023

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia has announced that, as stipulated in its passenger rights protection regulations, national airlines have issued refunds totaling 58 Million Riyals to passengers during the years 2021-2022. GACA clarified that these refunds primarily addressed issues such as delays or loss of luggage, flight cancellations, and delays.

This announcement comes as part of GACA's sustained commitment to fortifying passenger rights and is a precursor to the enhanced regulations set to be enacted on November 20, 2023.

Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dahmash, Executive Vice President for Quality and Passenger Experience at GACA, emphasized, "GACA remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing regulations that enhance choice, value, and service quality for passengers. Robust protections for passenger rights are pivotal for cultivating a competitive aviation sector that serves both the Kingdom and its travelers.

GACA stated that this announcement serves as a formal reminder to airlines, their representatives, and agents of the imperative to adhere to the new regulations. The Authority reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its regulatory and supervisory role in the aviation sector, aiming to achieve public interest through impartial implementation of the regulations, thereby enhancing passenger satisfaction and elevating the travel experience within the Kingdom.

Al-Dahmash added, "Beyond safeguarding passenger rights, GACA is devoted to facilitating a transparent and efficient complaint process. We aim to ensure that passengers are well- informed about their rights and can easily navigate the process for obtaining refunds as per the regulations.

These forthcoming regulations stand as one of the most comprehensive frameworks for passenger protection. They are an integral part of the broader Saudi Aviation Strategy, aimed at boosting the sector's global competitiveness and unlocking tourism potential. This aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which envisions benefiting up to 330 million travelers annually through air transport services by the year 2030.