Breaking: Saudi Arabia Suspends Flights from Nigeria, Cancels Hajj Visits
- Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended flights from Nigeria as the world battles with the new coronavirus variant
- The Kingdom took the decision to prevent the further spread of the new infection after recording its index case
- A circular has also been issued that all lesser Hajj trips should be cancelled as a result of the recent development
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All incoming flights from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been suspended following the increasing cases of the new Coronavirus variant, Omicron.
In a circular to all airlines operating in the Kingdom, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia confirmed the flight suspension, Radio Nigeria reports.
Source: Getty Images
According to the circular, those excepted include people who have spent a period of not less than 14 days in another country from which they are allowed to come.
In another report by Sahara Reporters, an airport official in Kano also revealed a memo had been issued that lesser Hajj trips should be cancelled as a result of to the suspension.
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The official said:
“Yes it is true because a circular was issued that all Lesser Hajj flights should be cancelled and there will be no more flights from Nigeria until further notice."
Omicron variant: UK takes strong action against Nigeria
In a previous report by Legit.ng, Nigeria was included in the United Kingdom (UK)'s red list of countries following the discovery of Omicron variant of COVID-19 cases linked to it.
The British government made the announcement in a statement shared on the UK government's website on Saturday, December 4, in a bid to tackle the spread of the virus.
According to Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, all international arrivals to the UK will now be required to take pre-departure COVID-19 tests from 4:00am on Monday, December 6.
British high commissioner reveals why UK added Nigeria to travel red list
Meanwhile, British high commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has explained why the United Kingdom (UK) made the call to add the country to the travel red list.
According to her, the UK took the decision in order to protect the public health of its people while the government tries to understand the new variant.
She said that the decision will be reviewed at the three-week review point on December 20.
Source: Legit.ng
