Saudi suspends Seychelles and Mauritius flights due to Omicron

The kingdom has suspended flights to seven more countries, bringing the total to 14

Saudi Arabia has announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from an additional seven countries due to concerns over the new Omicron coronavirus strain.

The flight suspensions apply to Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Comoros, joining the previously suspended routes to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

Non-Saudi passengers arriving directly or indirectly from the aforementioned countries will not be permitted to enter the kingdom unless they spend 14 days in another country.

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Saudi nationals arriving from the 14 countries will be permitted to enter the kingdom, but will be subject to a five-day quarantine irrespective of whether or not they are vaccinated.

Officials also warned Saudi citizens and residents to avoid travelling to the countries on the list until further notice.

Countries across the region and the globe have restricted flights to several African nations to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.