Due to the temporary entry restrictions by Saudi Arabia because of coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak, certain mandatory preventive measures have been added for airlines coming to Saudi Arabia from various countries including Pakistan where cases of coronavirus have been detected.

A circular has been issued by General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA), a PIA spokesman said, in which significant instructions include: Temporarily suspending entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet's (PBUH) mosque and tourist visa holders coming from countries in which the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is a danger.

Any transit passenger who had been from one of the 25 countries mentioned in the circular of GACA in the last 14 days is not going to be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

Since the issuance of travel restrictions on 27th February by GACA on certain classes of visas, PIA Call Centre is continuously informing the passengers about these restrictions and has offered and allowed wavier of applicable penalties including no show charges, change of booking charges and refund charges to its valued passengers.

Complete facilitation of passengers has been ensured at PIA counters and booking offices at all domestic stations and airports in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, PIA Umrah passengers will return to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia as per their return flight schedule, a PIA spokesman concluded.