The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has barred flights from Nigeria into the Kingdom, which effectively halts the plan of Nigerians to attend lesser Hajj.
The ban is coming after the latest cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Nigeria, joining the UK among the lists of countries that have restricted flights from Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia Reacts to Omicron Variant
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has directed all airports and private aviation operators in the Kingdom to suspend all flights coming “directly or indirectly” from Nigeria.
The statement read, “The Kingdom is suspending all incoming flights and entry for non-nationals coming directly or indirectly from Nigeria, except those who have spent not less than 14 days in another country from which they are allowed to come.”
The statement added that Saudi Citizens coming from Nigeria would be mandated to quarantine for five days and provide PCR examination on the first day and the fifth day, regardless of immunisation status, which turns negative.
Adding that those that fail to comply with the directives will be punished according to the law.
Though the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is still awaiting official communication from Saudi Arabia on travel plans for Hajj, but are optimistic, the restriction would not hamper the 2022 Hajj.
Thousands of Nigerians have already made payments and plans for departure on Sunday for the 2022 Hajj, with an airline confirming they will have to return over N16million for air ticket fares to over 400 passengers.
Saudi Arabia confirmed the first case of Omicron Variant seven days ago from a passenger returning from North Africa into the Kingdom.
