Airline must pay 200% of the airfare if disabled passengers are not offered easily accessible facilities

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) declared that it is nearing completion of new rules to safeguard the rights of passengers with special needs and physical impairments.

If airlines fail to offer handicapped customers the necessary travel facilities and services, they must pay a fine equal to 200 percent of their cost.

The proposed standards forbid airlines from requesting exemptions from or forgoing services from individuals with special needs and impairments.

When airlines fail to meet their commitments to provide suitable flying facilities and services for customers with disabilities and special needs, compensation is given.

The laws also cover flight delays and cancellations, with compensation based on the length of the delay and the notification from the air carrier, in addition to protecting passengers with disabilities.

In the event that a flight is delayed by more than two hours, passengers have the option of terminating their agreement with the airline and asking for a full refund. Under the new laws, compensation for lost or delayed baggage is also included.

These rules will be implemented, interpreted, and applied under the direction of the GACA's Passengers' Rights Protection Department. Airlines that are found to have violated these rules might be subject to penalties of up to SR $50,000.

Additionally, travellers have the legal right to sue an air carrier for violating the terms and conditions of the transportation contract in order to determine the amount of the harm and seek reimbursement for any subsequent damages.