Gov't to penalize Saudia for suspending flights to Korea

The Saudi Arabian airline Saudia faces administrative action for suspending flights to Korea without approval and may face penalties such as a fine or suspension of operations.

A Saudia aircraft [YONHAP]

The government is taking administrative action against Saudi Arabian airline Saudia for suspending its direct flights to Korea without permission from domestic aviation authorities, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a prior notice of administrative measure to Saudia on Monday. Saudia has been asked to submit their reasons for the suspension and their future plans by July 30.

The ministry will convene an administrative review committee to discuss the level of the penalties, which may include the suspension of operations or a fine of 100 million won ($72,254).

Under the Aviation Business Act, all airlines operating flights to domestic airports must follow a business plan approved by the ministry. Changes to the plan, such as suspensions of flights, will require prior approval.

Saudia had received approval to operate three weekly flights between Incheon and Riyadh from March 31 to Oct. 26 this year. The company has not operated the flights since June 27.

The airline reportedly informed customers of the suspension and offered refunds or alternate flights only about 10 days before the suspension without providing any detailed explanation.

BY PARK EUN-JEE, YONHAP [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]