Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on Monday has announced the shutdown of all international flights in the country which will be effective from midnight on 21 December.

According to a statement from the agency, all international flights to and from Saudi Arabia will be shut down for the next week. The shutdown period may be extended by one more week. At this time, if there is a flight of another country’s airline stranded in Saudi, it can leave the country. 

“Cargo aircraft will be exempt from this shutdown,” the GACA also said, adding that it will relax the guidelines for air transport passengers with special consideration for emergencies.

It has been informed that action will be taken in this regard after reviewing the outbreak of COVID infection.