South Korea’s transport ministry imposes fine on Saudia

A Saudia aircraft

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) imposed a fine of KRW 100 million ($75,500) on Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) for violating aviation laws in South Korea.

The fine was imposed after Saudia suspended flights between Incheon and Riyadh without permission from aviation authorities, Yonhap News Agency reported. 

Saudia holds the approval to operate three weekly flights on this route from March to October. The airline, however, has not conducted these flights since June 27.

Under the South Korean aviation law, all airlines operating flights to local airports must adhere to an approved business plan. Any changes to the plan—such as flight suspensions—require the ministry's consent, the news agency highlighted.