Saudi Arabia temporarily bars flights from Nigeria, suspend umrah over new covid-19 variant

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has barred Flights from Nigeria due to the new Coronavirus variant, Omicron.

The circular that conveyed the news was signed by Assistant President for Economic Policy and Air Transport, Dr. Faisal Al Sugair.

Although, there is an exception for those who might have spent no less than 14 days in another country from which they are allowed to come


 
Several sources in the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Kano, including officials at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) told Daily Trust that there was an order to restrict flights from Nigeria over Omicron.
 

 
The source said; 
 

Yes it is true because a circular was issued that all Lesser Hajj flights should be canceled and there will be no more flights from Nigeria until further notice.
“I think they are following suit the decision of other countries like UK to prevent against having the virus in the kingdom.”

 
It was also gathered that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia later confirmed the flight suspension in a circular to all airlines operating in the Kingdom.