Evaluating Air Passenger Rights under Saudi Arabian Law in Light of International Practices

This research evaluates air passenger rights laws in Saudi Arabia. The research was motivated by the absence of clear interpretations or applications of the applicable laws, as well as by the complex nature of passenger rights legislation which often overlaps with international legal elements and aims at harmonising regulatory standards. Additionally, the lack of a legal foundation, specifically in the form of consumer protection laws, has prevented passengers from fully enjoying their rights.
The objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of air passenger protection under Saudi law and explore how it can be enhanced by aligning with international best practices. To answer this core question, the study adopts a doctrinal and analytical legal methodology.
This thesis critically and analytically examines both the international and domestic frameworks for passenger rights. At the international level, the research focuses on the 1999 Montreal Convention and studies international legal interpretations of its provisions in order to assess the extent of legal protection it offers passengers. At the national level, the study offers a critical and analytical review of the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations 2023, with lessons drawn from international best practices.
The research demonstrates an urgent need and high potential for developing national regulations to ensure that air passengers enjoy the rights to which they are entitled. It also highlights the necessity of improving judicial efficiency as it plays a crucial role in enabling passengers to obtain their legal rights.
This thesis presents several proposals for interpreting legal texts in a way that reduces ambiguity and addresses legal issues that the current regulations fail to adequately cover, thereby ensuring stronger protection for air passenger rights.