RIYADH: Saudi aviation authority has updated regulations for handling tickets for flights canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the move is to ensure necessary flexibility to travelers, to preserve their rights, and “to maintain the highest standards of quality and efficiency in services…”, the local media reported.
A new GACA circular says that airlines that have canceled any flight due to the COVID-19 pandemic must address the woes of their passengers as follows:
Return the full amount of the ticket of the unused itinerary should the passenger choose to terminate the contract.
The traveler shall have the choice to redeem or reuse the voucher if the airlines reissue it without having to pay additionally for it in any way.
If the said traveler accepts to reschedule his flight, this must not be followed by having to pay any extra amounts or fees given the itinerary is unchanged.
However, should the passenger request a change of itinerary, only then the airline can collect the fare difference, but that too without adding any other fee.
