Airlines delaying flights during Haj face hefty fines: Saudi

Flights that do not leave or arrive within a certain time limit during the busy Hajj season face hefty fines, according to Saudi Arabia’s latest government directives.

Carriers will be obliged to pay SR1,000 (Dh980) per passenger and SR100,000 (Dh98,000) if there are less than 100 pilgrims on board, Arab News reported, quoting Prince Fahd bin Abdullah, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
In addition, carriers will have to cough up SR10,000 (Dh9,800) per landing and SR15,000 (Dh14,700) per departure in case of delays.

Aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia put in place additional regulations at Jeddah and Madina airports during the busy Hajj period to help control the massive flow of pilgrims. Airlines will require permits prior to flying Hajj-chartered flights from August 27 this year, until the fourth day of the Hajj season, according to GACA officials.

Authorities said flights departing without proper licensing will face fines between SR20,000 and SR100,000. In addition, officials found guilty of helping a pilgrim-chartered flight depart without authorisation will be fined anywhere between SR10,000 and SR50,000.

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