Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) said it has completed all its preparations to operate international flights at its full capacity, the national air carrier said in a statement on Sunday carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The move comes after authorities lifted a temporary international travel ban on citizens as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Kingdom, allowing the full opening of land, sea and airports from 1 a.m. (KSA time) on Monday (May 17).

Saudia revealed its readiness to operate its flights to 71 destinations operating from 95 airports, including 28 domestic and 43 international destinations.

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, the national carrier has transported more than 10 million guests.

Meanwhile, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said that Saudi Arabia's airports will operate nearly 385 international flights on May 17.

No vacant seats

The national air carrier also said in the statement that there will no empty seats among the guests onboard international flights as part of coronavirus measures, pointing out that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) did not approve the idea as it would not contribute to increasing safety, but would cause an increase in ticket prices.

Saudia called on travelers to adhere to the usual precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask and other necessary health protocols.