PIA resumes flight operations to Saudi Arabia after it ends entry ban

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday announced the resumption of flight operations to Saudi Arabia after the Kingdom reopened its borders, allowing the resumption of international flights following a two-week suspension amid fears of a new coronavirus variant.

According to a PIA spokesperson, passengers will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia from Sunday after a notification was issued by KSA’s General Authority of Civil Aviation allowing the resumption of flight operations.

Earlier due to the entry ban Pakistanis were only allowed to return from the country.

“Passengers can contact the [PIA] call center on 111 786 786 or visit the offices to activate old bookings or make new ones,” the spokesperson said.

However, a COVID-19 PCR test is mandatory for all passengers before travel.

The Saudi ministry of the 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, are to stay at least 14 days out of these countries before entering the kingdom would remain in place.

KSA had suspended international flights and access through land crossings and ports on December 21.