PIA resumes flights to S Arabia as ban lifted

KSA says ban in place for people coming from countries where new Covid variant detected

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday announced resumption of its regular passenger flight service to Saudi Arabia after the kingdom ended a ban on entry by sea, land and air that lasted two weeks amid fears of a new coronavirus variant.

The PIA spokesperson advised the passengers concerned to urgently approach its offices for reactivating their bookings.

According to a statement, the spokesperson said as per the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation's (SGACA) latest notification, suspension of all flights and travel to the kingdom has been lifted and international airlines are permitted to transport passengers.

However, a KSA Ministry of Interior official said that some restrictions including asking people coming from countries where the new variant spread such as the UK, South Africa and any others, to stay at least 14 days out of these countries before entering the kingdom.

The PIA spokesperson asked the passengers with their seats already booked with the national flag carrier or those intending to fly to Saudi Arabia with the PIA approach its nearest office or contact the call centres.

The PIA, since late December, due to resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic and associated ban imposed on international flights by the SGACA, have only been carrying back home Pakistanis stranded in the kingdom.

Those intending to fly to Saudi Arabia should ensure their corona PCR test conducted only at facilities approved by the Saudi government, the spokesman added. (With input from agencies)