With news regarding the spread of the latest variant of COVID-19 emerging last week, it has been confirmed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that it will continue the suspension of international flights for one more week.
Due to the appearance of this new mutation, Saudi Arabia had immediately shut the land, air and seaports for one week, which has now been extended.
While adhering to the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has been informed the airports in the country to still transport non-Saudi passengers outside Saudi. However, the cabin crew for foreign airlines has been informed to not leave the plane on landing while avoiding any sort of physical contact with the ground and operation staff of the airport.
Saudi Civil Aviation announces the issuance of the approval by the in charge authorities for non-Saudis passengers to leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting from today, 27/12/2020 pic.twitter.com/uTCd0Fjnu8
— هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) December 27, 2020
As per instructions, all airlines must also coordinate with the Air Transport Department before applying for flights, while also avoiding the countries where the new strain has appeared.