Saudi Arabia suspends all international fights for a week – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended all international fights for a week, which can be extended by another week due to new Covid-19 strain, a notification issued by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on Monday stated.
Countries around the world have begun banning flights and travellers from Britain as London said the spread of a more-infectious new coronavirus strain was “out of control”.

“Suspending all international flights for travelers (except in exceptional cases) temporarily for one week, which can be extended for another week. Foreign flights currently in the territory of the Kingdom are allowed to leave,” GACA notification said.
“The circular will take effect from 00.00 (Midnight) on Monday December 21, 2020,” it added.
The notification further mentioned that suspension excludes Cargo flights and the situation will be “reviewed in light of the developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic”.
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Saudi’s decision came after several European nations, including Italy, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, have banned UK flights after report of the mutant strain.
On December 19, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced that the newly identified strain of the virus may be up to 70 per cent more transmissible.
According to British health secretary Matt Hancock, the new variant was “out of control”.
By the week ending December 9, the new variant accounted for 62 per cent in London, 59 per cent in eastern England, and 43 per cent in the South East.
(With inputs from agencies)