UAE airlines suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia due to new strain of COVID-19

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

UAE airlines have suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia till December 27 citing health concerns.

The Saudi Health Ministry on Sunday announced the cancellation of all flights to the kingdom for a week for the second time due to a rapidly spreading strain of coronavirus.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and Fly Dubai have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until further notice.

An Emirates spokesperson said, “After the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia closed the borders, Emirates Airlines announced that it would suspend its flights to and from the Kingdom until 27 December.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this situation beyond our control, and we ask our valued customers affected to contact the travel agents or the Emirates Contact Center to view the options for rebooking.”

Etihad Airways said that the carrier will immediately suspend all passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and all destinations to which it operates in Saudi Arabia until further notice.

Etihad said, “This precautionary measure has been taken to limit the spread of the new strain of coronavirus.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

"The safety of our guests and air crew is one of our most important priorities, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this suspension," the spokesman said.

Air Arabia confirmed the suspension of all flights to Saudi Arabia temporarily until further notice in line with Riyadh’s decision to suspend air traffic.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The company made clear its commitment to all decisions and instructions issued that guarantee the safety of passengers and travelers to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

A flydubai spokesperson said, “In line with the directives issued by the authorities in Saudi Arabia, flydubai flights to Dammam International Airport (DMM) and Riyadh International Airport (RUH) have been cancelled until December 27th. Passengers booked to travel on these flights will be offered a refund or the option to rebook to a later date.”