Airports in Saudi Arabia were left empty as the Kingdom’s decision to suspend domestic flights over coronavirus fears went into effect.
Asharq Al-Awsat toured the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah only to find that the facility was virtually empty save for a limited number of employees and medical and security personnel present to receive any emergency flights.
Workers present at the scene voiced their relief at the country’s decision, stressing that it helps fight the spread of the new coronavirus.
Customs officer Saeed al-Ghamidi confirmed that the airport continued to receive air cargo around the clock.
“In line with the government's decisions, there are strict precautions to comply with,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that health safety requirements and preventive measures are being “applied by concerned authorities at the airport and shipping companies.”
Saudi Arabia has announced that it will suspending all forms of domestic transport in the country for 14 days to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The suspension, which covers flights, buses, trains and taxis began at 6 am on March 21, and will last for 14 days, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing an official source in the interior ministry.
However, the suspension will not include transportation related to sectors such as health, services and basic commodities, such as food, energy, water and communications, air freight and necessary security transfers.
The Kingdom, which has already banned all international flights, will stop domestic flights except those related to humanitarian and necessary cases, medical evacuation aircraft and private aviation. The Civil Aviation Authority will issue the necessary permits for such trips in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Health, the SPA report said.
