Saudi Arabia Decides To Open All Airports In Country From March 31st

The prospects of Hajj and Umrah for Muslims around the world, including Saudi Arabia, have become brighter as the Kingdom decided to open all airports in the country from March 31.

The Saudi Aviation Authority has issued a notification saying that all countries except where coronavirus still prevails will be allowed to operate flights.

The notification underscored that that the cases of citizens belonging to countries where the virus hasn’t been controlled will be thoroughly investigated.

Committees set up by the Saudi government will be bound to decide after examining the cases of travellers from these countries, the notification added.

The Saudi aviation said the implementation of coronavirus SOPs will be ensured for the well-being of travelling passengers.

Earlier, in November, around 10,000 international pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah which was halted due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom and worldwide.

According to Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Amr Al-Maddah, the 10,000 pilgrims arriving from abroad had first obtained a permit, Arab News reported.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on Umrah in March.