The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Tuesday that it was not responsible for the delay in operation of the two newly licensed airlines to provide domestic services.

“The delay was caused by a routine procedure of government departments in sanctioning jet fuel at discounted rates for the two airlines,” said Prince Fahd bin Abdullah, president of GACA.

He said neither GACA nor the two airlines — Qatar Airways and Al-Qahtani Air — should be blamed for the delay. The government departments have to complete necessary procedures for the two airlines to start their operations in the Kingdom.

Prince Fahd said the two airlines would follow the ticket pricing approved by GACA. “Passengers will receive discounts when they book seats and purchase tickets early,” he said, adding that the pricing would be ready by year-end.