Many years ago when I obtained a visa to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time, I remember a prominent sign in the lobby of Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC.
It warned of extensive delays for Canadians applying for visas. In looking into the matter more closely, I learned that Canada still has been a “thorn” in the Kingdom’s side for years when it comes to confrontation over human rights issues.
And almost eight years later, it seems that not much has changed.
Last week, Ottawa condemned Riyadh for the arrest and detention of human rights activists, including a leading women’s rights campaigner. Riyadh responded harshly, vowing to cease new trade and investment with Canada. The Canadian Ambassador was also made persona non grata while the Saudi Ambassador to Canada was recalled. Riyadh called this “a blatant interference in the Kingdom’s domestic affairs, against basic international norms and all international protocols.”
On Monday, Canada refused to backdown, insisting that it would stand for human rights, no matter the consequences. This infuriated the Kingdom, which responded by promptly suspending educational exchange programs. Hours later, Saudia announced the suspension of its service to Toronto, the only Canadian city served, effective August 13th.
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
Saudia has promised not to strand passengers who fall victim to this diplomatic spat.
On Twitter, the airline promised either a cash refund or help with finding alternate flight reservations:
Hello our dear Guest, all flights will be suspended from/to Canada as of Aug. 13 and the restrictions will be lifted for all exported tickets with the possibility of restoring the value of the tickets (cash), and we will work to find alternative solutions for our distinguished guests on Toronto. Thank you for your communication.
I expect Saudia will offer passengers a re-route via New York to their final destination.
If your flight is cancelled, call Saudia at or reach out to a local ticketing office. The toll-free number is 1-800-472-8342 in the USA or 1-855-588-0999 in Canada.
CONCLUSION
While it is always unfortunate when passengers get stuck in the middle of a diplomatic rift between two nations, at least it appears Saudia will ensure that no passengers goes stranded. If your flight has been cancelled, please leave a comment below on how Saudia reaccomodated you.
images: Saudia
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I was stranded by this policy shift right before a summit in the Kingdom. Saudia reached out though and are not only flying me to the country, but also offered free accommodations in a Riyadh Ritz Carlton! Delightful customer service!
So Canada’s big faux pas was to object to an arrest of a basic rights protester? Once upon a time, the USA would have publicly objected to arresting a women’s rights protester as well, back when we were the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Canada ought to ban Saudia from overflying enroute to America. For “national security” reasons, of course.
Was scheduled to fly out of YYZ-JED early next week. Thankfully I got re-accommodated to YYZ-JFK-JED. They spent over $5k for that ticket alone so I am not complaining
No reschedule yet for my daughter who came home on vacations and wants to return next week. What should I do?
What does Saudia say when you call them?
My parents (Senior Citizens) are scheduled to Fly to Canada in mid of Sept and Return in Mid of November. Called helpline for alternate ticket, they are saying that their contract to provide alternate flights is expiring in End of Sept so either accept a refund (now ticket prices are 3-4x) or have 2 stop-over flight (more than 30 hrs flight time). Hopefully they offer a better solution and accommodate seniors (at least)
Keep calling – sometimes it just the agent. Offer specific flights. They will probably fly to you New York nonstop and then connect you to Canada. What is your parent’s final destination in Canada?
I am schl to travel to Jeddah in December. Ticket was orinally booked in May 2018. Via travel agent. Alternative proposed by travel agent. No confirmation from Saudi airlines. When I call in they do absolutely nothing. No help at all even as business class traveller.
An absolute non-professionalism on the part of the airline SAUDIA. Today after I calked up its Mumbai Hub in India, one Abdullah informed me that PNR of my Son schrduled to travel Toronto on 1st January 2019, stands cancelled. Nobody from SAUDIA bothered to inform the passenger although phone anf email ID was there with them. I in fact called up to know the possibility of carrying a keyboard as handbaggage as my son is going on Student’s visa. SAUDIA Mumbai hub employees are the worst. They lack in professionalism and harass passengers after keeping their money with them. I request everyone to boycott SAUDIA to teach them a perfect lesson.