After Saudi Arabia extended its international travel ban, Etihad Airways and Emirates have temporarily suspended passenger flights to the Gulf country.
In an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Saudi Arabia extended its international border closures to 20 countries beginning February 3, until March 31, 2021. United Arab Emirates-based carriers, Etihad Airways and Emirates, immediately announced the suspension of passenger flights to Saudi Arabia. The restrictions do not apply to Saudi nationals and citizens, diplomats, and medical staff and their families.
“Effective February 3, 21:00 Saudi time – you will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia if you are travelling from or have been in any of the following countries in the past 14 days: Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, USA, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan,” stated Etihad’s website.
Saudi nationals will be subject to seven-day quarantine upon arrival in their home country. For travelers who have visited one of the restricted countries, quarantine will be extended to 14 days.
“As directed by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emirates will not accept non-Saudi national passengers on flights from Dubai to Saudi Arabia, with immediate effect and until further notice,” announced Emirates. “Customers holding tickets with final destinations in Saudi Arabia will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Exemptions are Diplomatic passport holders and Health Practitioners and their families.”
As of February 4, 2021, Air Arabia has also canceled flights to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.