Air travel disruptions especially flight delays and cancellations can ruin plans, waste time, and trigger financial losses. In Saudi Arabia, strong rights now protect passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled, backed by regulations from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). These rules apply to flights departing from Saudi airports, and also to many inbound flights operated by Saudi airlines.
Why Saudi Passenger Rights Matter
Saudi Arabia’s regulations were significantly updated under the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations enforced by GACA, with the slogan “Passenger First”. These rules came into force from late 2023 and have been refined into 2025–26 to create predictable, enforceable rights for air travellers.
Previously, passenger rights in Saudi Arabia were inconsistent or dependent on airline policies. Today, these protections are legally enforceable and measurable with clear compensation tables and obligations.
Flights Covered by Saudi Regulations
The rules apply broadly:
Eligible Flights
- All flights departing from Saudi Arabia, no matter the airline.
- Flights arriving in Saudi Arabia if operated by a Saudi‑licensed carrier (e.g., Saudia).
This means even international flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or other Saudi airports have guaranteed protections.
Passenger Rights Explained: Delay, Cancellation & More
Below is a breakdown of all key entitlements under Saudi passenger rights regulations.
1. Rights for Delayed Flights
Flight delays are one of the most common travel disruptions. Saudi regulations provide clear monetary compensation and required assistance depending on how long your flight delay is.
Delay Duration & Compensation Table
| Delay Category | Entitlement Under GACA |
|---|---|
| Delay of 3–6 hours | Compensation of 50 SDR (approx. SAR 300 / €61) |
| Delay of 6+ hours | Compensation of 150 SDR (approx. SAR 900 / €183) |
| Delay > 2 hours (optional contract cancellation) | Full ticket refund (no penalties) |
| Delay > 5 hours | Passenger can treat flight as cancelled (refund or rebooking) |
Important: Compensation is based on actual arrival time compared to original scheduled arrival.
Required Care During Delays
Airlines must provide:
- Refreshments and drinks if delay exceeds a short threshold.
- Meals if delayed significantly (often 3+ hours).
- Accommodation + airport transfers if delay results in overnight stay.
These rights help ensure passengers are not left stranded without support.
2. Rights for Cancelled Flights
Flight cancellation entitlements in Saudi Arabia are robust and compensatory you are not left with just frustration but legally owed refunds and compensation.
Cancellation Compensation Table
| Notice Given Before Flight | Compensation Level |
|---|---|
| 14–60 days | 50% of unused ticket value |
| 14 days–24 hours | 75% of unused ticket value |
| Less than 24 hours | 150% of unused ticket value |
Passengers are also entitled to a full ticket refund if they choose not to take re‑routing.
Note: If you accept an alternative flight but it arrives late, you may still qualify for delay compensation.
3. Overbooking & Denied Boarding
Airlines often sell more tickets than seats. If you are denied boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to:
- A full refund of the unused ticket value.
- 200% compensation of unused ticket value if you refuse re‑routing.
- Assistance (meals, phone calls, rebooking).
This protects passengers from unfair overbooking practices.
4. Downgrading (Seat Class Change)
If the airline places you in a lower travel class than booked:
- If you accept, get 50% of the fare difference refunded.
- If you refuse, eligible for refund + 200% of unused ticket value.
5. Tarmac Delay Rights
If your plane remains on the ground after departure or before arrival:
- After 3 hours, you may request to disembark.
- You may then treat the situation as a cancellation.
Airlines are required to provide toilets, ventilation, water, and communication during extended tarmac waits.
When Compensation Does Not Apply
Compensation is not lawful if the delay/cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances:
- Severe weather
- Security threats
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Natural disasters
- Events outside airline control confirmed by GACA
These are similar to exceptions in other international passenger rights laws.
How to File a Claim in Saudi Arabia (Step‑by‑Step)
Getting what you’re owed can be straightforward if properly documented.
Step 1 — Save Documents
- Boarding passes
- Ticket
- Original itinerary
- Delay/cancellation notifications
Step 2 — Contact Airline
Submit your claim directly to the airline through their customer service, guest relations, or dedicated claims page (e.g., Saudia’s claims page).
Step 3 — Wait for Response
Airlines must respond within a reasonable timeframe; often 14–30 days.
Step 4 — Escalate to GACA
If the airline doesn’t honor your rights, you can escalate to GACA with supporting evidence.
Step 5 — Seek Legal Support
Services like SkyRefund or AirHelp can assist especially for complex cases.
Saudia Airlines Specific Notes
Even though local passenger rights apply, international regulations like EU or UK laws may also apply for flights departing those regions, especially for an airline like Saudia. Those rules can entitle you to up to €600 compensation under certain EU/UK protections when the flight begins there.
However, this applies only for flights departing EU/UK under those jurisdictions separate from Saudi domestic rights.
Comparative Summary — Saudi Arabia vs EU Law
| Feature | Saudi GACA | EU Regulation EC261/UK261 |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to flights departing locally? | Yes | No |
| Applies to inbound flights by non‑EU airlines? | Only if Saudi airline | Yes (for EU departures) |
| Delay compensation tiers | SDR 50 / SDR 150 | €250–€600 |
| Guaranteed care (meals/accommodation)? | Yes (mandatory assistance) | Yes |
| Denied boarding compensation | 200% unused fare | €250–€600 |
This table helps travellers understand where Saudi rights are stronger or complementary to international rules.
Quick Reference: Compensation Amounts Converted
| Compensation Type | Saudi Riyals (Approx) | EUR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Delay 3–6 hrs | SAR 300 | ~€61 |
| Delay 6+ hrs | SAR 900 | ~€183 |
| Denied boarding | up to 200% ticket | Depends on fare |
| Cancellation <24 hrs | 150% | Variable |
Infographic: When You’re Entitled to Compensation
Delays
- 3–6 hours → SAR 300
- 6+ hours → SAR 900
- 5 hours → treat as cancellation
Cancellations
- 14–60 days → 50%
- 14–24 hrs → 75%
- <24 hrs → 150%
Denied Boarding
- Mandatory refund + compensation
Downgrading
- 50–200% entitlements based on acceptance
Common Myths About Flight Disruption Rights
Myth: “Weather delays always entitle compensation.”
Reality: Compensation applies only if airline is at fault and not due to extraordinary external causes.
Myth: “Delays under 3 hours get nothing.”
Reality: While monetary compensation isn’t guaranteed before 3 hours, airlines must still provide care (meals/refreshments) from early thresholds.
Final Checklist Before Claiming Your Rights
- Confirm if delay/cancellation is due to airline fault ask for a written reason.
- Keep all proof of communication.
- Submit before departure or within airline’s timelines.
- Be clear whether you want refund, rerouting, compensation, or care benefits.
Conclusion
In 2026, Saudi Arabia offers strong, enforceable passenger rights on flight delays and cancellations through GACA’s regulations. These rights are legally backed, include clear compensation tiers, care obligations, and protections against denied boarding and downgrading. Knowing these entitlements can turn a frustrating travel disruption into a compensated and supported experience not just an inconvenience.
Understanding these rules before you fly can save you stress, time, and money when travel plans go awry.
