Saudi govt allows religious tourists to use any airport

Riyadh: The Saudi government on Tuesday allowed religious tourists to arrive and depart on scheduled flights through any international airport in the kingdom.

Umrah pilgrims now would be able to use any airport in Saudi Arabia and the decision will benefit all the Umrah pilgrims from around the world including Pakistan.

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued a circular and directed all the national and foreign airlines operating in the country, including private aviation, to must allow Umrah passengers to arrive and depart on scheduled flights through any international airport in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities approve the start of receiving international flights at Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz airport in AlUla after the completion of its expansion project, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announces. https://t.co/IzeL1jFB8V

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 5, 2021

According to the circular, it would violation of the government’s order if the relevant airlines did not comply with it. The GACA also made it clear that the legal procedures would be taken against violators.

Earlier,  the Umrah pilgrims were allowed to come and go through only two airports including Holy city of Mahina and Jeddah.