Millions of passengers are set to reap the benefits of the new executive regulation introduced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) that took effect on Monday, Nov. 20. This comprehensive regulation, comprising 30 articles, focuses on passengers' rights and obligations, aiming to elevate the quality of air transport services and enhance the overall travel experience to, from, and within the Kingdom's airports.

Key Features of the Regulation:

. Improved Air Travel Experience: GACA's executive regulation prioritizes passengers' rights for a seamless journey.
. Detailed Rights and Obligations: The regulation clearly outlines the rights and obligations of passengers to enhance service quality.

Regulation Implementation:

. Effective Date: The regulation came into force 90 days after its issuance on Aug. 23, 2023.
. Awareness Campaign: GACA launched the "Traveler First" campaign, educating passengers about their rights and protections.

Awareness Campaign Emphasis:

"Traveler First" Initiative: Focuses on educating travelers about their rights, compensation, and how to address challenges during flights.
Communication Protocol: Encourages affected travelers to contact the airline first and, if needed, submit complaints to GACA for necessary action.

GACA's Commitment:

Passenger Satisfaction: GACA Vice President emphasizes the authority's commitment to passenger satisfaction and improving travel experiences.
Unprecedented Protections: Travelers now enjoy enhanced protection in case of flight delays, cancellations, or other unexpected challenges.

Compensation Provisions:

Compensation Ranges: Passengers entitled to financial compensation up to 150-200% of the ticket value for various situations, including early departure, delays, cancellations, and overbooking.

Baggage Protections:

Luggage Compensation: Passengers receive financial compensation of SR6568 for lost luggage and compensation for damage, defect, or delay not exceeding SR6568.

Special Cases Addressed:

Unannounced Stopovers: Passengers compensated in case of adding an undisclosed stopover.
Rights of Passengers with Disabilities: Specific provisions ensure the rights of passengers with disabilities and special requirements.

GACA's Vision:

National Aviation Strategy: The new regulation aligns with GACA's commitment to achieving the goals of the National Aviation Strategy, focusing on international standards and customer satisfaction.