Passengers will now be the beneficiaries of the new executive regulation of the GACA that came into force on Monday

The new executive order of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which went into effect on Monday, Nov. 20, will benefit millions of travellers. According to a statement from the GACA, the executive regulation that replaced the previous one has 30 provisions that primarily address the rights and duties of passengers. The executive order, according to the statement, has clauses that expressly outline the rights and responsibilities of travellers to enhance the standard of air transportation services as well as the traveller experience both within and outside of the Kingdom's airports. On August 23, this year, the executive rule was issued, and 90 days later it became operative.

Alongside the rule's implementation, the GACA initiated the "Traveller First" awareness campaign, which aims to inform passengers of their rights and the laws that protect them in the event of unforeseen difficulties or obstructions while they are in flight. This assists in educating people about their rights to compensation as well as how to handle such circumstances. The authority stressed in its awareness campaign the steps that impacted travellers need to take to guarantee that they receive their whole set of rights in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or other issues. 

The GACA emphasised that the passenger must first contact the airline in question and, if he does not hear back from them within seven days, file a complaint with the GACA so that the GACA may take the appropriate measures against the airline. Eng. Abdulaziz Aldahmash, Vice President of GACA for Quality and Traveller Experience, stressed that the new rule reflects the authority's concern for passenger satisfaction and its desire to enhance the traveller experience in the Kingdom's skies by shielding passengers from unforeseen changes in air traffic and offering them better options.

According to Aldahmash, the new rules demonstrate the GACA's desire to live up to its motto, "Traveller First," by giving passengers a hassle-free, safe travel experience and services that meet international standards. "We enhance the traveller experience in the Kingdom and help achieve the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy through the implementation of this regulation," he stated.

The thirty provisions of the rule ensure that passengers have the right to adequate care, assistance, and compensation, which can reach 150–200 per cent of the ticket price. Compensation will be provided if a flight departs earlier than scheduled, is delayed, is cancelled, or is refused entry into the aircraft because of overbooking or downgrading. As per the new legislation, certain compensations are equivalent to 150 per cent or 200 per cent of the ticket value.

The new rule ensures that travellers will get monetary compensation equal to SR6568 in the event that their luggage is lost. Should there be any damage, defect, or delay to the baggage, the traveller is entitled to monetary reimbursement up to SR6568.

Additionally, the rule provided reimbursement to travellers in case they added a stopover site that wasn't disclosed at the time of ticket reservation confirmation. Both the air carrier's and the passengers' responsibilities were made clear by the rule. The regulations also address particular needs and the rights of passengers with impairments. The rights of passengers on chartered aircraft were protected by the legislation, particularly those on the seasonal Hajj and Umrah flights.