Saudi Arabia suspends international flights for a week

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the operation of all international flight operations due to the coronavirus.

According to the foreign news agency, the Saudi Interior Ministry has issued a statement that the flights have been temporarily suspended for a week. The decision to suspend flights could be extended for more than a week.

Restrictions on coronavirus SOPs have been tightened, with gatherings of more than 50 people banned in Saudi Arabia. Violators will be fined 15,000 riyals. It may be recalled that the Saudi government had earlier allowed pilgrims from abroad to perform Umrah in Makkah city after seven months.

This is the third phase of the gradual resumption of Umrah, which began on 1st November this year, with a limited number of pilgrims heading to the Hejaz. Moreover, the foreign airlines operating in the kingdom will be allowed to fly.

A statement issued by the Interior Ministry said that those who have travelled from any European country where the epidemic has spread more should take the following steps.

The ministry advised such people to quarantine themselves at home for two weeks. Test for the coronavirus during quarantine and repeat this test every five days. Imports from countries that have not been infected with the new coronavirus will continue as usual.