Dubai’s Emirates to only carry Saudi nationals on flights to the kingdom

Dubai carrier Emirates will not accept any non-Saudi national passenger on flights from the emirate to the kingdom.

The directive is effective February 3 onwards, and until further notice, the carrier said in a travel update on its website.

“Customers holding tickets with final destinations in Saudi Arabia will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Exemptions are Diplomatic passport holders and health practitioners and their families,” Emirates added.

“We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking options.”

Effective February 3, 9pm, Saudi Arabia banned entry into the kingdom from 20 countries including the UAE, UK and India, to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The temporary suspension of permission to enter will be applicable to anyone who comes from, or has transited through any of those countries, 14 days prior to the date they wish to enter the kingdom.

Read: Covid-19: Saudi Arabia bans entry from 20 countries including UAE, UK and India

Meanwhile, Emirates will operate flights from the UK to Dubai only to fly back UAE citizens and residents stranded in the country, in the aftermath of the ban UK imposed on all direct passenger flights from the UAE effective January 29.

Read: Emirates to operate flights from UK to Dubai for stranded UAE citizens and residents