Saudi Arabia resumes outgoing flights after virus travel ban
RIYADH: Stranded expats have welcomed the decision by the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) to allow international carriers to fly foreign nationals out of Saudi Arabia.
Travel agencies were busy as people began booking flights out of the Kingdom following the GACA circular issued on Sunday.
The Ministry of Interior last week announced the suspension of international flights after a new variant of coronavirus was discovered in the UK.
“We had a ticket booked for Dec. 22 from Riyadh to New Delhi for my wife, but she could not take the flight as air operations were suspended,” Shamshad Alam from India told Arab News. “It was worrying for us due to my wife’s pregnancy, which is the reason for travelling to India. We want our first child to come into this world with family members.”
He thanked the Saudi government for easing the flight suspension so that foreigners could leave.
Faiz Al-Najdi, from Pakistan, also welcomed the GACA move. Airport closures: UAE extends validity of tourists visas for one month
“It has come as a big relief for many,” he told Arab News. “It was so because many had their vacations planned and were disappointed due to the sudden suspension of flights.
Besides, many had to return home due to family emergencies and to sort out personal problems or visit their ailing parents. But following the suspension of the flights due to new virus strains, they were faced with an uncertain situation and were disappointed.” Air India EOI: Tata Group to bid for Air India The company was started in 1932 under the name of Tata Airlines
Many expat families were in Saudi Arabia on visit visas and there were also foreigners in the country performing Umrah, he added.
