Saudi Arabia suspends flights from Nigeria over new COVID-19 variant

Saudi Arabia has become the latest country to ban flights from Nigeria following the detection of six cases of the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, in the West African nation.

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed the flight suspension in a circular to all airlines operating in the Kingdom.

Unconfirmed reports also said the Middle East nation was also contemplating the repatriation of Nigerians in the Kingdom over the new variant of concern.

An official at the Aminu Kano International Airport also confirmed the cancellation of the lesser Hajj over the development.

READ ALSO: Only 3.5m Nigerians fully vaccinated for COVID-19, says NPHCDA

He said: “Yes, it is true because a circular was issued that all Lesser Hajj flights should be cancelled and there will be no more flights from Nigeria until further notice.

“I think they are following suit the decision of other countries like the United Kingdom to prevent importation of the virus into the kingdom.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now