Passengers of Saudia who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to get the compensation you deserve 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 regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s essential to note, that this delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you land at your final destination.

Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:

Less than 3 hours	Between 3-4 hours	Four 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

Be aware you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Saudia is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.

Saudia Compensation for Flight Cancellation

European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you may be entitled to compensation of €250-600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially 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 a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to the table provided 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 is not obliged to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually 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 staff goes on strike.

Are Saudia Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, Saudia isn’t 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 cancellation or delay with Saudia, it’s important to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s crucial 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 such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. You might have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.

What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation

Saudia goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by providing 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 room accommodation. This covers transportation to and from 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When Saudia cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.

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 trip, Saudia will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose 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. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.

It’s essential 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 just the cancelled segment.

Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Saudia Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations