The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said airlines must now offer food, drinks, and communication access, such as phones and emails, if international flights are delayed by more than two hours.

For delays longer than five hours, passengers are entitled to additional support, including at least 1,500 baht ($40.50) in cash or an equivalent in vouchers, credit, or flyer miles. They can also cancel their trip and ask for a refund.

Airlines must provide accommodation and transport if needed.

For delays over 10 hours, passengers will receive between 2,000 baht ($54.00) and 4,500 baht ($121.50), depending on the flight distance. These rules also apply if a flight is cancelled without at least seven days' notice.

Domestic travel lers will now receive 1,200 baht ($32.40) for delays over five hours, an increase from 600 ($16.20) and 1,500 baht ($40.50) for cancellations. Other forms of compensation, such as travel credits or vouchers, can also be offered.

Tarmac delays, where passengers wait on the plane before take-off, are also covered.

Per the new rules, airlines must ensure air circulation, working toilets, and medical help if needed and if a flight does not take off within three hours, passengers must be allowed to leave the plane unless it risks safety or disrupts air traffic control.

The CAAT said the updates are meant to improve fairness and support for travellers.

Passengers were left waiting for hours after their arrival at the airport for their luggage.

Senior Travel industry executive Karen Gee who was also aboard the flight told The Independent , “I checked my AirTag and saw my suitcase had made it to Manchester, but after 90 minutes, no bags had appeared and no one was telling us anything”.

Airport staff were barred from handling the luggage for safety and health reasons.

Passengers were later advised to go home pending updates on their luggage from the airport authorities but would later learn that the infested plane was sealed and flown back to RAM’s hub at the Mohammed V International Airport in Cassablanca.

The plane resumed scheduled flights to other destinations including Abuja, Geneva and Paris after the infested luggage was taken out of the aircraft upon its arrival.

The Independent reports that passengers are still waiting for their belongings five days after their arrival. Meanwhile, the Moroccan airline has yet to communicate any updates on the situation or issue an official statement on the incident.

The airline has been criticised for its seeming negligence and non-chalance about the situation which has left passengers stranded.