Civil liability arising from air accidents in light of technological developments – a comparative study

Section: Article

Abstract

This study explores legal liability for aviation accidents in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in light of modern technological developments in the aviation sector. It aims to assess the extent to which both legal systems align with international conventions, particularly regarding new technologies such as drones, autonomous aircraft, and artificial intelligence. Using analytical and comparative methods, the study focuses on the legal challenges arising from the integration of these technologies, especially in determining liability when accidents occur. The findings reveal legislative gaps in both systems, particularly in defining responsibility in cases involving decisions made by intelligent systems. The study recommends establishing clear legal frameworks to determine whether liability should rest with the operator, developer, or manufacturer. It also emphasizes the need to update aviation laws, regulate cyber threats, and enhance specialized legal training to keep pace with technological advances.

References

  1. References
  2. First: Books:
  3. Ahmed Khaled Al-Arini, Administrative and Disciplinary Liability in Civil Aviation, Dar Al-Jami'a Al-Jadida, 2017.
  4. Khaled Mustafa Fahmy, Legal Liability Arising from the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Dar Al-Fikr Al-Jami'i.
  5. Sultan Salam Bayram, Civil Liability for Damage to Aircraft and Space Objects on the Earth's Surface: A Comparative Analytical Study, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, 2020.
  6. Abdel Razzaq Al-Sanhouri, The Intermediate in Explaining Civil Law, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, 1997.
  7. Abdel Fattah Muhammad Al-Hanafi, Provisions on Liability for Civil Aviation Accidents, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, 2010.
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  17. Second: Academic Theses and Papers:
  18. Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Dosari, "Legal Liability of Airline Companies in Saudi Law," Master's Thesis, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, 2021.
  19. Nayef Saleh Al-Kharboush, "Compensation for Moral Damage and Its Judicial Applications," Master's Thesis, King Abdulaziz University, 1440 AH
  20. Third: Research:
  21. - Technological Developments in Aviation and Their Impact on Air Accidents - Aviation and Cybersecurity Journals.
  22. - Contractual Liability of the Air Carrier According to the Saudi Law, by Saeed bin Nasser Al-Haresen, a research paper published on the Muhamat.net website, published on January 30, 2019.
  23. - The Role of the Judiciary in Air Accident Cases - Journal of International Aviation Law, 2019.
  24. Fourth: Foreign References:
  25. - Benjamyn I. Scott & Andrea Trimarchi, Fundamentals of International Aviation Law and Policy, Routledge, 2020.
  26. - Elmar Giemulla & Ludwig Weber, International and EU Aviation Law: Selected Issues, Kluwer Law International, 2011, pp. 89-92.
  27. - European Parliament. (2020). Civil liability regime for artificial intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu
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  29. - Montreal Convention, 1999.
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  32. Fifth: Laws and Agreements:
  33. Rome Convention of 1952.
  34. Chicago Convention of 1944 – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  35. Tokyo Convention of 1963.
  36. Montreal Convention of 1999 – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  37. Montreal Convention of 1999.
  38. Qatar Civil Aviation Law of 2002.
  39. Regulations for the Protection of Passenger Rights in Saudi Arabia - General Authority of Civil Aviation.
  40. Saudi Civil Aviation Law of 1426 AH.
  41. Implementing Regulations for the Civil Aviation Law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  42. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (2023). Aviation Safety Reports.
  43. Sixth: Websites:
  44. https://al-sharq.com/article/22/07/2022/8-
  45. www.icao.int
  46. www.caa.gov.qa
  47. https://www.qatarairways.com/ar/legal/eu-air-passenger-rights.htm
  48. https://www.gaca.gov.sa/rights_obligations
  49. Seventh: Judicial Rulings:
  50. Judicial Rulings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Air Accident Cases - Air Judiciary Magazine, 2021.
  51. Ministry of Justice, Commercial Court, Case No. 4530271254.
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