UAE suspends flights with four countries over coronavirus concerns

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the suspension of all inbound and outbound flights with Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and Iraq, with effect from March 17, and until further notice.

The move is part of the country's proactive precautionary and preventive health measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, said the GCAA in a statement on Saturday.

Travellers wearing protective masks look at a smart phone at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport, in Ezeiza on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. AFP

''The decision followed our analysis and assessment of the latest global situation and the scale of the spread of the virus to most countries of the world including Italy, '' the statement added.

''We are maintaining close coordination and cooperation with competent authorities inside and outside the country in regards to the evolving situation.''

READ MORE

Abu Dhabi shuts all cultural sites including Louvre Al Jahili Fort till March 31 over virus fears

UAE temporarily suspends all visas as COVID-19 declared pandemic

US declares coronavirus emergency House passes aid package

9-hour curfew imposed in Metro Manila due to coronavirus

The statement further added that stakeholders operating under the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, are monitoring the latest global developments in order to take appropriate actions that ensure continuity of work inside the country and to mitigate potential risks.

The GCAA advised passengers affected by the suspension of flights to contact their respective air carriers to reschedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations.

WAM