You get to the airport early. Bags checked. Boarding pass ready. The screens say your flight is on time. But minutes turn into hours. Gate agents make announcements that don’t explain much. You’re tired, unsure what to do next, and wondering if you’ll receive compensation for any of it.
That confusion is exactly what Saudi Arabia wants to end.
In late 2023, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) introduced a clear and thorough set of passenger protections. These new regulations explain exactly what you’re entitled to if your flight is delayed. This includes how much compensation you should receive, when airlines must provide food or hotel stays, and what steps to take if they don’t.
If you’ve ever asked yourself what to do if a flight is delayed in Saudi Arabia, this guide walks you through it all. It covers your rights, the official process, and the compensation you can claim under the updated rules. Every point below is based on GACA’s official guidelines, so you can travel with more clarity and confidence.
What To Expect When a Flight Is Delayed in Saudi Arabia
If your flight is delayed, the airline is required to take action right away. These are the steps you can follow and the services you should receive at different points in the delay.
Airlines must provide:
- After 1 hour: Refreshments and water
- After 3 hours: A proper meal
- After 6 hours: Hotel accommodation with transport to and from the airport
If these services are not provided on time, you are entitled to additional compensation.
Compensation for missing care services:
- No refreshments: 10 SDR (around 51 SAR)
- No meals: 30 SDR (around 153 SAR)
- No hotel stay: 100 SDR (around 510 SAR)
You do not need to ask for these amounts. If the care is not delivered, the airline is responsible for compensating you.
GACA Flight Delay Compensation Amounts
Saudi Arabia now uses the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR) as a reference for compensation amounts. Here’s what you can expect based on how long your flight is delayed:
If the delay crosses 5 hours, you can cancel your trip and claim compensation using GACA’s flight cancellation policy. That may qualify you for even higher amounts depending on your case.
In addition, if an airline fails to announce a revised take-off time, passengers can claim 300 SAR for every hour of delay, for up to 10 hours. This rule encourages clear communication and holds airlines responsible for keeping travelers informed.
GACA has backed these rights with visible enforcement. In 2023, it launched a public awareness campaign called “Putting Passengers First” to help travelers understand what they’re owed. Since the new regulations took effect, airlines have refunded over 58 million SAR for delays, cancellations, and baggage issues.
In 2024, GACA identified 305 violations of passenger rights rules and imposed 14.4 million SAR in fines on non-compliant carriers. These penalties show that passenger protections in Saudi Arabia aren’t just promises. They’re being tracked and enforced.
You Can Cancel and Get a Full Refund
If your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, you have the right to cancel your ticket and get a full refund. No deductions. No cancellation fees. This applies across all airlines operating from or into Saudi airports.
This specific regulation is one of the strongest parts of the entire framework. It gives travelers more flexibility and helps avoid being stuck waiting in uncertainty.
Flight Delay Notification Rules
Under the flight delay rights in Saudi Arabia, airlines must notify passengers of delays at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. They must also keep you informed every 30 minutes if the situation changes.
If you’re already at a hotel when a delay occurs, the airline must cover your additional stay and make sure you get proper updates and support until the new departure time.
When Airlines Don’t Have to Compensate
There are a few cases where airlines are not required to pay compensation. These include:
- Delays caused by approved security or safety risks
- Situations officially defined as force majeure
Force majeure does not include technical issues, poor planning, or problems caused by staff shortages. GACA’s definition is specific and prevents airlines from using these as excuses.
Tarmac Delays Come with Their Own Rules
If your plane is delayed while you are still onboard, you are protected by a separate set of rights. These are called tarmac delay rights and apply to both domestic and international flights.
Airlines must ensure the following:
- Air conditioning or heating
- Working toilets (if available on the aircraft)
- Water and snacks
- Access to communication so you can contact someone outside the plane
If you remain on the tarmac for 3 hours or more, the airline must give you the option to leave the aircraft. If you decide not to continue the journey, you can cancel your trip and get a full refund.
Special Considerations for Certain Travelers
GACA has built in extra protections for travelers who may need more care. These include:
- People with disabilities
- Unaccompanied minors
- Travel groups
- First-degree family members and their domestic helpers
Airlines must give these passengers priority and ensure they board in overbooking situations. They must also provide support during delays and make sure these travelers never face the journey alone.
How to File a Complaint the Right Way
If the airline fails to meet any of the obligations under your flight delay rights in Saudi Arabia, you can take formal steps.
1: Contact the airline directly
- Submit a complaint within 60 days
- Keep the complaint reference number
- Airlines must respond within 7 days
2: Escalate to GACA
- If you don’t get a proper response, submit your case to GACA
- Use the reference number from the airline
- GACA will review and respond
3: Take legal action
- If you’re still unsatisfied, you can file a civil claim
- Legal support is available and recommended for complex issues
GACA’s official contacts:
- Phone: +966 11 525 3333
- Toll-free: 1929
- Email: 1929@gaca.gov.sa
- Online portal: gaca.gov.sa
When to Expect Payment
Airlines must pay any confirmed compensation within 15 days of acknowledging your right. You can choose how to receive it:
- Bank transfer
- Cash
- Voucher
- Check
If you receive a voucher, you can exchange it for cash at any airline office. No extra fees apply.
Flight Delay Rights in Saudi Arabia Are Now Clear
GACA’s guidelines provide a full system designed to protect passengers at every step of their journey. Saudi Arabia now ranks among the most proactive countries in aviation regulation, with protections that reflect how people actually travel today.
If you ever face a delay, your rights are now written down, backed by law, and enforceable through a process that works.
FAQs
What are my flight delay rights in Saudi Arabia under GACA rules?
If your flight is delayed, GACA rules give you the right to receive compensation, care services at the airport, and the option to cancel your ticket. These rights apply to any flight that departs from or arrives at a Saudi airport.
How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight in Saudi Arabia?
You can claim between 255 and 765 SAR based on how long the delay lasts. If the airline doesn’t provide care services during the delay, you may receive additional compensation.
Can I cancel my flight if it is delayed in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. When your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, you can cancel your ticket and receive a full refund without any penalty.
What should I do first if my flight is delayed in Saudi Arabia?
Reach out to the airline right away, file a formal complaint, and ask for a reference number. You’ll need that number if you decide to take your case further through GACA’s complaint system.
Do flight delay rights in Saudi Arabia apply to international flights?
Yes. These rights cover all international flights departing from Saudi airports and all flights arriving in the Kingdom if a Saudi carrier operates them.
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