Qatar Airways - Saudi Arabia flight cancellation

zoop

hello all not entirely sure what my rights are here:

have a flight booked through an online agent to Jeddah, KSA from the UK next week. The airline have today cancelled my second leg and booked me to Medinah, KSA.

My question is:

1. Is there any responsibility to get me to Jeddah or do I need to accept a refund / this alteration? And who should I be speaking to. I’ve been bounced between the agent, British airways and Qatar airways.
   
2. Is there any compensation due, even if I accept the alteration? I know the situation is uncertain in KSA, but from what I can see, it’s not a blanket cancellation. QR airways is reducing from 7 flights to 4. Is this something that still counts as exceptional and they don’t need to pay?

thanks

eskbanker

The operating carrier, Qatar in this case, is responsible for getting you to your final destination, but, as you say, if they're continuing with the route, that wouldn't appear to be a justifiable case for denying a compensation claim for extraordinary circumstances.

Woodstok2000

You are entitled either to a full refund, or to alternative transport to your destination. That doesn't have to be with Qatar - so push them to book you onto another airline if necessary.

Were the flights booked as a single trip under one ticket reference, or did your agent book a separate flight for each leg - that will be crucial when it comes to compensation (if applicable).

zoop

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82185469#Comment_82185469

Qatar keeps pushing me to booking-com (the agent) it’s booked as one ticket but operated by Qatar.

Booking says they put in a request with Qatar for alternative times and they haven’t heard back (24hrs ago).

Should I pursue Qatar again? The first guy was adamant I only speak with the agent.

Woodstok2000

Well, it is unambiguously Qatars responsibility, but they may well only speak to the booking party (the agent). A good reason to avoid 3rd parties, but we're there now. As it is, I would be chasing both booking and Qatar.

Worried_fool

I think you need to be a bit pro-active here. Find out if there are any flights (with any airline) from Qatar to Jeddah that fit in with your first sector; or if there is any convenient transport (domestic flights?) from Medinah to Jeddah. If so, contact both your airline and Gotogate (flights booked through Booking are actually booked by Gotogate) explaining your preferred rerouting and ask them to book it for you.