Passengers of Saudia who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to obtain the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Saudia Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Saudia compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Saudia Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Remember you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Saudia is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control occur. This covers bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Saudia Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
When accepting another flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined according to two criteria: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, according to the table below:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Saudia doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Saudia Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Saudia is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Saudia
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Saudia, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Saudia goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Saudia is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Saudia offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Saudia provides hotel accommodation. This covers transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Saudia cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your journey, Saudia will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Saudia will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s important to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Saudia will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.