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Both Emirates and Etihad Airways have temporarily suspended flights to Saudi Arabia amid fears of a new strain of COVID-19. The government of Saudi Arabia last night issued a directive restricting entry to the kingdom and suspending international flights for at least a week. It has also suspended entry through land borders and sea ports.
The news from the Middle East comes just days after European countries imposed new restrictions on the UK. According to the Saudi Ministry of the Interior, the new travel restrictions are a direct result of growing concern about the new strain. All international flights have been suspended for a week, with the possibility of extending it for another week.
Emirates came forward with a statement that read: “Due to border closures as directed by the Saudi authorities, Emirates will suspend flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until December 27.. “Etihad has gone one step further and suspended all flights until further notice.
In a statement to Gulf News, Etihad said: “The safety of your customers and crew is Etihad’s top priority, and we apologize for any inconvenience the suspension may cause.. “Air Arabia has also followed suit and suspended flights until further notice.
More suspensions come
Saudi Arabia imposed new sanctions on anyone who arrives in the country has been to Europe or any other country where the new strain is detected. Anyone who meets these criteria will need to self-isolate for two weeks and perform a test.
Other countries in the Middle East are taking similar precautions; Kuwait, Israel and Iran have ordered temporary suspensions of flights to and from the UK. If more new cases of strains are found in other countries, others are likely to follow to Saudi Arabia and suspend all international flights. The new strain has already been found in Italy.
Ease restrictions
Saudi Arabia has been quick to implement bans and suspensions in the past. It placed a temporary ban on flights to and from India in September after concerns about the number of cases in India. The Kingdom had closed its border in March and kept it closed for a full six months before it sought to ease restrictions in September.
The original plan was for the border to reopen completely on January 1.S t, 2021. However, with the new strain causing more concerns, this seems extremely unlikely. The current restrictions are in effect until December 27.th, which means that anyone who wishes to enter the Kingdom at Christmas will be disappointed. No additional measures have been imposed within the borders. Meetings can still take place with up to 50 people and businesses are open. Officials are clearly focused on preventing the new strain from entering the kingdom.
What do you think of the new restrictions? Will we see more nations follow Saudi Arabia and close its borders completely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
