Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

Saudi Arabia bans flights from India amid surging coronavirus cases

Saudi Arabia bans flights from India amid surging coronavirus cases

Covid-19 tally in India exceeds 5.7 million on Thursday, after over 86,000 fresh cases were registered in the last 24 hours
Saudi Arabia has banned flights from India in light of the surging coronavirus cases in the South Asian country.

Although a circular issued by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it was "suspending travel to and from the following countries - India, Brazil and Argentina", airline industry sources in India said repatriation flights from the kingdom are still allowed to operate.

India’s national carrier Air India and its sister airline Air India Express, besides private carrier IndiGo were operating repatriation flights – also called Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights – from Saudi Arabia.

“Our flights are carrying passengers from Saudi Arabia,” a senior Air India Express official told Arabian Business.

"We are, however, not allowed to carry passengers from India to Saudi Arabia," the airline official said.

The official said Air India Express has been operating only one or two flights a week to Saudi Arabia this month.

The bulk of the VBM flights to the kingdom were operated by Air India.

A spokesperson from Indian budget carrier SpiceJet said the airline was only operating chartered flights from Saudi Arabia, which will stand discontinued after the ban.

Airline sources said the ban is valid “till further orders”.

India had reportedly scheduled as many as 32 repatriation flights to and from Saudi Arabia under the sixth phase of VBM, lasting until the end of September.

The ban on Indian flights by Saudi Arabia comes close on the heels of Dubai civil aviation authorities last week imposing a temporary ban on Air India Express flights to the city due to violations of coronavirus-related issues.

Although the ban originally was for a fortnight from September 18 until October 2, the issue was resolved within hours, with Air India Express resuming flights to Dubai from Saturday.

The GACA circular on the new flight ban said it would also be applicable to any person who has been in any of the mentioned countries – India, Brazil and Argentina - in the last 14 days prior to their arrival to the kingdom.

However, it excluded passengers who have official government invitations.

The Covid-19 tally in India rose above 5.7 million on Thursday, after more than 86,000 fresh cases were registered in the last 24 hours.

The coronavirus-related death toll in India also climbed to 91,149 so far, according to the latest data released by India’s ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×