South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced on Thursday that it has fined Saudia Airlines, Qatar Airways, and eight additional domestic and international carriers for breaching the nation’s aviation regulations.
Saudia received a penalty of 100 million won (about $75,500) for ceasing its flights between Incheon and Riyadh without the requisite authorization from aviation authorities.
Although the Saudi Arabian airline had received permission to conduct three weekly flights on this route from March to October, it has not operated any flights since June 27.
“The strict actions were taken due to their infringement of domestic regulations and the resultant inconvenience to customers. The government remains committed to exerting every effort to guarantee passenger safety and uphold customer rights,” stated a ministry representative.
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 suspending flights, are only allowed with approval.
Qatar Airways was fined 150 million won ($112,400) last year for violating aircraft leasing rules by operating freight aircraft on the Incheon-Doha route.
Korean low-cost carrier (LCC) T’way Air faced a penalty of 14 million won ($10,700) for failing to properly inform passengers of flight delays seven times from March to June this year, in violation of the aviation rules, though it acknowledged such delays in advance.
Spring Airlines, Air Japan, Lao Airlines, Greater Bay Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, and Peach Aviation have each been fined 2 million won ($1475) for breaching regulations concerning the labeling of flight tickets.