Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
Saudi airports ready to reopen to outbound passengers
Airports in Saudi Arabia are ready to receive outbound passengers, said a report citing a statement from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Airports in Saudi Arabia are ready to receive outbound passengers, said a report citing a statement from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The announcement comes a day after the Ministry of Interior announced that the Kingdom’s land, sea and air borders will reopen on May 17, allowing citizens who have received a Covid-19 vaccine to travel abroad, Saudi Press Agency reported.
GACA has issued a circular to all aviation companies operating at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's airports, including general and private aviation, regarding the procedures for Saudi nationals travelling abroad.
The circular states that airlines are permitted to transport fully vaccinated Saudi citizens and those who received their first dose of a vaccine at least 14 days prior to the date of travel. The circular also allows for citizens who have been infected by Covid-19 to travel, provided they have recovered at least six months prior to the date of travel, the report said.
Citizens under the age of 18 are also permitted to travel and are exempt from the vaccination rule, but must present an insurance policy approved by the Saudi Central Bank that will cover the costs of any Covid-19 treatment outside the Kingdom.
GACA confirmed that these measures will take effect from 1:00 am on May 17, it said.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of GACA, thanked the Saudi government for allowing citizens to travel abroad, subject to health requirements, and highlighted the efforts the authority has made to combat the spread of the virus.