Latest news with #SaudiArabianAirlines
Argaam
3 days ago
- Business
- Argaam
GACA issues classification for air carriers, airports in April 2025
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued the index for the classification of air transport services providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in April 2025. The total number of complaints submitted by passengers against airlines stood at 1,270. The least complaints were filed against flynas with 22 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint-handling rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) ranked second, with 23 complaints and a closure rate of 99%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third, with 38 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. The most frequent complaints for April were about tickets, followed by luggage and passenger services. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah reported the lowest number of complaints, recording two or 0.2% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually, with a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. For international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually, Abha International Airport reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers. Among domestic airports, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 3% per 100,000 passengers with a timely complaint-handling rate of 100%. GACA stated that the monthly index is developed to inform travelers about service quality, promote transparency, and encourage healthy competition in the aviation sector.
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan flight operations return to normal after Pak-Ind tensions
Listen to article Pakistan's flight operations continue to face disruption following the recent escalation in tensions with India, though some services have resumed on key international routes. On Tuesday, several cancellations were reported from major cities, including Sialkot, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Multan. Lahore and Islamabad. Earlier yesterday, domestic and international flight operations also remained disrupted at Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA), Lahore. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Airlines has resumed its flight operations to Pakistan, Flight SV-704 departed from Jeddah to Karachi as part of the resumed service. The aircraft will later return to Jeddah from Karachi as Hajj flight SV-3705. Previously, UAE carriers have resumed flight operations to Pakistan and India following the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries after four days of intense fighting, Gulf News reported. UAE airlines—Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia—announced a partial resumption of services to Pakistan early Sunday, May 11, with operations subject to the evolving security situation in the region. A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10 after days of heightened military exchanges that brought both nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war. The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Tensions flared following an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 civilians dead. India blamed Pakistan-based elements without presenting any evidence, and Islamabad rejected the allegations. In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—moves Pakistan called an 'act of war.' The conflict intensified with India's missile attacks and drone incursions as it launched its Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's military launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation, and announced it had downed five Indian jets—including Rafales—and intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones. Following diplomatic intervention led by Washington, both sides agreed to halt military activity across land, air, and sea
Egypt Independent
25-04-2025
- Egypt Independent
Who's banned from Mecca? 6-month jail sentence for violators
As the Hajj season of 2025 approaches, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have issued regulations for this year's pilgrimage, revealing the categories of individuals prohibited from entering Mecca, as well as the categories exempt from Saudi Arabia's decision. As part of ongoing preparations for the Hajj season '2025 AD – 1446 AH,' the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have issued a set of regulatory controls regarding the Hajj season 2025. This aligns with the directives of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration to the consular sector of the ministry and the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Jeddah to raise the level of preparedness for this year's Hajj season. The aim is to ensure the safety of the pilgrims to the Sacred House of God and enable them to perform the Hajj rituals with security, ease, and peace of mind. The procedures and regulatory controls for the entry and stay of Egyptian citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season, particularly in Mecca, include the following: Prohibition of Entry to Mecca All categories are prohibited from entering Mecca specifically, starting from today, April 23, 2025 (corresponding to Shawwal 25, 1446 AH), until June 11, 2025 (corresponding to Dhu al-Hijjah 15, 1446 AH), including residents of the Kingdom, with the exception of only three categories: (Those holding an official Hajj permit – Residents holding residency permits issued from Mecca only – Workers inside Mecca with a special permit). Umrah Visa Holders This category is prohibited from entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from any port or airport starting from April 13th (corresponding to Shawwal 15th). Those who entered with this visa before this date are required to leave Mecca and the Kingdom before April 29th (Dhu al-Qadah 1st). Valid Family Visit Visa Holders They are allowed to enter the Kingdom, and there are no specific restrictions on them except for the ban on entering Mecca during the period from April 23rd to June 11th, 2025. Tourist Visas (Port Visas) These are obtained only at Saudi ports by holders of Schengen and United States visas. No decisions have been issued to prevent their entry into the Kingdom. However, this type of visa does not allow its holder to enter Mecca during the ban period from April 23rd to June 11th, 2025. Attempting to enter Mecca from anywhere within the Kingdom will subject the holder to accountability and deportation. Transit Visas This type of visa was only available on Saudi airlines (Saudi Arabian Airlines – flynas – flyadeal). No official decision has been issued to prohibit them. Holders of transit visas can enter from any port or airport in the Kingdom except King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, with the necessity of adhering to the controls and requirements specific to this type of visa, which include adhering to the visa duration (a maximum of 96 hours from the moment of entry into the Kingdom) and the necessity for the traveler to complete their journey and continue to their final destination (a third country). Saudi authorities have also issued a decision imposing fines on Umrah visa holders who fail to leave the Kingdom after April 29, 2025. The decision stipulates a fine of 50,000 Saudi Riyals for any arriving pilgrim who overstays their visa, imprisonment for up to 6 months, and deportation to their home country. Additionally, a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals has been announced for tourism companies affiliated with the overstaying pilgrim if they fail to report the overstay. These fines will be multiplied for a single company based on the number of overstaying pilgrims affiliated with it.
Saudi Gazette
22-03-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Airlines resumes flights to and from London Heathrow Airport
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH— Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) announced the resumption of regular flights to and from Heathrow Airport London, starting Saturday morning, March 22, by using aircraft with larger seating capacity. The Saudi national carrier announced this in an official statement issued on Friday evening. Earlier, on Friday Saudia had suspended all flights to and from London until further notice. In a previous statement on X account, the airline attributed the suspension of service to the disruption in the airport's operating system following a power outage due to a fire at a substation that supplies the airport with energy. In the statement, the airline confirmed that it is closely monitoring developments with Heathrow Airport officials and is communicating directly with passengers to inform them of updates related to the situation. Saudia had urged passengers in London not to travel to Heathrow Airport, and instructed transit passengers not to travel to Jeddah and Riyadh airports until further notice. The company announced that all affected tickets would be exempt from any restrictions or fees for rebooking or refunding, affirming its commitment to providing appropriate alternatives for passengers affected by the flight suspension.
Argaam
06-02-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Tawuniya wins health insurance coverage contract by Saudia
The Company for Cooperative Insurance Co. (Tawuniya) won a contract with Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) to provide cooperative health insurance coverage services to the latter's employees and their families. In a statement to Tadawul today, Feb. 6, the Saudi-listed insurer said the contract value exceeds 5% of its gross revenues in the latest audited financial statements for 2023. Under the deal, Tawuniya will provide health insurance services for the Saudi national carrier's employees and their families, for one year starting from March 6, 2025. It said the contract will have a positive impact on its gross written premiums for 2025. There are no related parties to the contract, it noted.
