RIYADH: The passenger protection regulations to be implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is “a positive thing” especially after “several” observations were recorded regarding delays in domestic flights, said Abdullah Al-Ajhar, Assistant Director of Saudi Airlines for Public Relations. He said the CAA is the body that introduced the regulations and airline companies must comply. He added that Saudi Airlines is implementing a program for domestic flights that are delayed. Passengers of flights delayed for one to three hours will receive beverages; and a meal if the delay exceeds three hours. If the delay is more than six hours the airline will host them in a hotel, he said, adding that domestic flights are rarely delayed for more than 12 hours. However, he said the commitment to introduce beverages, meals and a hotel stay for delayed passengers depends on the facilities available at the airport, because at some airports it is not possible to provide meals or accommodation in a hotel, he said. He said most passengers on domestic flights do not want to stay at hotels especially residents of the city where the flight is delayed. Naser Al-Taiyar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Attaiyar for Travel and Tourism, said he feared there will be no implementation of the regulations. He said Saudi travelers are least likely, in the world, to have their rights respected. He called for the establishment of a legal body under the jurisdiction of the CAA or the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities to look into the complaints from passengers against airline companies operating in the Saudi market.
