The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has suspended flights to and from India, Brazil and Argentina as Covid-19 cases continue to surge in the three countries, the media reported. The restrictions are effective from September 24. The Kingdom has also barred entry for people who have travelled to those countries during the last 14 days.
General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca) said people who visited India, Brazil and Argentina in the last 14 days prior to arrival in the Kingdom will not be allowed to enter except for those with government invitation. The three countries have reported the highest number of positive cases so far, in addition to the US.
Earlier this month, the Kingdom partially lifted its restrictions on international flights. An Interior Ministry official told the media that the Kingdom will scrap all travel restrictions on air, land and sea transport for citizens on January 1, 2021.
Recently, national carrier Saudi Arabia Airlines, commonly known as Saudia, announced the inclusion of a Boeing 747-400F to its cargo fleet, enhancing its logistics capacity. According to the carrier, the new aircraft will boost cargo and supply operations. In addition, it will help to meet the rising demand for medicine and medical equipment in the Kingdom.
Omar Hariri, chief executive officer, Saudia Cargo, told the media, “We have taken practical steps to guarantee the cargo and supply operations smooth continuity to and from the Kingdom ever since the flights, excluding cargo and evacuation, were suspended due to Covid-19.
“Today, flights have been resumed but to a certain degree. Once the new freighter has been put into operation, it will increase the operation and cargo capacity and help the company meet its targets and provide logistic support to deliver urgent medical cargos to the Kingdom in order to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 as part of its continued efforts.”