Due to the health crisis, UAE Airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways have announced temporary restrictions on passenger flights to Saudi Arabia, in line with new guidelines issued by the Kingdom banning passengers from 20 countries .
Last Wednesday, the official websites of carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates confirmed the update, with entry into force on February 3, 2021. As of that date, passengers “are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if they have traveled or stayed in any of the following countries in the last 14 days: Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa South, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan ”, indicates the official site of Etihad.
The Abu Dhabi airline adds that the restrictions do not apply to Saudi nationals and citizens, diplomats, medical professionals and their families. A mandatory seven-day quarantine is also being notified for Saudi nationals, even if they do not come from any of the regulated countries.
“In accordance with the instructions of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emirates will not accept non-Saudi passengers on flights from Dubai to Saudi Arabia, with immediate effect and until further notice,” Emirates echoed adding that “Customers holding tickets with final destinations in Saudi Arabia will not be accepted to travel to their point of origin. The exemptions are diplomatic passport holders and health care practitioners and their families. “
