RIYADH: A new law protecting the rights of air passengers will come into effect in Saudi Arabia from November 20. As per the new law, passengers will be entitled to get a compensation of up to 200 percent of the value of their ticket in cases such as flight delays, cancellations, overbooking, and unexpected stopovers.

The passenger has the right to claim compensation for the lapse in service from ticketing to baggage claim. General Authority of Civil Aviation Vice President Abdulaziz Al Dahmash stated that the aim of the new law is to improve air service and protect passenger's rights. Lost or damaged luggage may result in compensation of approximately Saudi Riyals 6,568 (Rs 1,44,422). Passengers can lodge a complaint against the airline if the flight is delayed for more than two hours. The law also applies to Haj and Umrah charter flights. Passengers can complain and seek compensation even if there is a stopover that is not mentioned while booking the ticket. Authorities are expecting that air service will improve once the law comes into effect.