Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has informed all airlines operating in the Kingdom’s airports that the suspension of international flights will be lifted completely and the Saudi airports will be fully operational from 31 March 2021 onwards.

However, GACA clarified that the travel permit does not apply to countries to which the concerned committee decides to suspend travel as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus.

In a circular, a copy of which was obtained by Okaz/Saudi Gazette, the authority said Saudi citizens will be allowed to travel outside the Kingdom and return to it effective from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31.

GACA stressed that the new procedure does not violate any approved requirements or controls related to travel bans or restrictions on travel for reasons that have nothing to do with limiting the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom.

It also stressed the need for taking into account the implementation of necessary measures, and precautions to stem the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom. A few days ago, the Ministry of Interior announced its decision to lift the temporary travel ban and resumption of all international flights, saying that the Kingdom will reopen its air, sea, and land borders from March 31.

The implementation of the measures will be done in accordance with the procedures and precautions laid down by the concerned committee to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom and that is in coordination with the concerned authorities, the ministry said in its statement.