Saudi Arabia to suspend international flights from Sunday

Kingdom suspends international flights for two weeks

Last updated: March 14, 2020 | 10:26

Agencies

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Planes preparing for take off at Riyadh King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will suspend international flights for two weeks from Sunday to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, local media reported quoting the Ministry of Interior on Saturday.

On Friday, 24 new cases of COVID-19 infections were reported in the Kingdom, raising the total to 86.

Also Read: Spike in cases in Gulf pushes Mideast past 10,000 infections

Following are the updates so far:

During the two-week period, some flights would only be allowed in "exceptional cases", the ministry said.

For residents who cannot come back during this period, it will be considered as an official holiday.

Arrangements will be made regarding health procedures such as examination and isolation according to the preventive measures approved for all arrivals.

For Saudi citizens who wish to return, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, the Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant parties, will arrange for their arrival, and the relevant procedures will be soon announced.

The Kingdom has suspended travel to and from the entire European Union and 12 other countries in Asia and Africa.

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