GACA issues January classification for air transport service providers, airports

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Feb. 21, an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports.

The index is based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority during January 2023.

GACA stated that the total complaints filed by passengers on air carriers in December 2022 amounted to 790, compared to 447 complaints in January 2022.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) recorded the least complaints at 20 per 100,000 passengers, with a closure rate of 97%. Flynas ranked second, with 34 complaints and a closure rate of 31%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third with 39 complaints per 100,000 passengers, recording a closure rate of 96%.

The most frequent complaints for January were about baggage services, tickets and flights, respectively. 

In January, King Fahd International Airport recorded the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0% for every 100,000 passengers during January, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually.

It received only three complaints, with a timely complaint handling rate of 67%. 

Prince Nayef International Airport came with the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 1%, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually, with a closure rate of 100%.

Locally, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport recorded the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 4%, at a closure rate of 100%.