Millions of passengers to benefit from GACA regulation that comes into force on Monday

Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Hundreds of thousands of passengers would be the beneficiaries of the brand new govt regulation of the Normal Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) that got here to into pressure on Monday, Nov. 20. The chief regulation, which changed the present one, consists of 30 articles that deal primarily with passenger’s rights and obligations, the GACA stated in an announcement.

In accordance with the assertion, the chief regulation consists of provisions that clearly spell out rights and obligations of passengers with the intention of bettering the standard of air transport providers and the journey expertise to and from the Kingdom’s airports and throughout the airports.

The chief regulation got here into pressure 90 days after the date of its issuance on Aug. 23 this yr. Together with the enforcement of the regulation, the GACA launched an consciousness marketing campaign titled “Traveler First” to teach vacationers about their rights in addition to concerning the laws that guarantee their safety within the face of any sudden challenges or obstacles that they might encounter throughout their flights. This helps inform them on methods to cope with such conditions and to know concerning the compensation entitled to them.

In its consciousness marketing campaign, the authority emphasised the procedures that the affected vacationers should observe when any delays or cancellation of flights, or different issues happen, in order to make sure that they get hold of their full rights. The GACA careworn the necessity for the traveler to contact the involved airline first, and if he doesn’t obtain a response inside seven days, then he should submit the criticism to the GACA to take the mandatory motion in opposition to the air provider.

GACA Vice President for High quality and Traveler Expertise Eng. Abdulaziz Aldahmash emphasised that the brand new regulation displays the authority’s curiosity within the satisfaction of passengers, and its keenness to enhance the journey expertise within the Kingdom’s skies, by defending passengers from any sudden modifications in air site visitors, and offering them with higher choices. “As of yesterday, vacationers to and from the Kingdom take pleasure in unprecedented technique of safety, guaranteeing their rights within the occasion of going through any issues ensuing from the delay or cancellation of flights,” he stated whereas calling on vacationers to benefit from the “Traveler First” marketing campaign launched by the authority, in order that they know the complete provisions of the chief regulation and methods to declare their rights.

Aldahmash stated that the brand new laws replicate the GACA’s keenness to stick to the slogan “Traveler First,” by offering a protected and easy journey expertise, and offering providers of worldwide requirements to vacationers. “By this regulation, we contribute to attaining the objectives of the Nationwide Aviation Technique and bettering the journey expertise within the Kingdom,” he stated.

The regulation included 30 articles that assure the passenger’s proper to obtain correct care, assist and compensation, amounting as much as 150- 200 % of the ticket worth. The compensation can be given within the occasion of departure of flight forward of schedule or delay in departure or cancellation of flights, in addition to within the occasion of refusal to board the aircraft resulting from overbooking, and downgrading. A few of these compensations quantity to 150 % and 200 % of the ticket worth, it was stipulated within the new regulation.

The brand new regulation ensures passengers, upon lack of baggage, a monetary compensation equal to SR6568. Within the occasion of injury, defect or delay of luggage, the passenger is entitled to get a monetary compensation not exceeding SR6568.

The regulation additionally assured compensation to vacationers within the occasion of including a stopover level that was not introduced when confirming the reservation of ticket. The regulation clarified the obligations of each the passengers and the air provider.

The laws additionally cope with the rights of passengers with disabilities and particular necessities. The laws assured the rights of consumers, who’re touring on board chartered flights, particularly the seasonal Hajj and Umrah journeys.