Saudi Arabia allows domestic flights to operate at full capacity

Saudi Arabia allows domestic flights to operate at full capacity

Saudi Arabia began allowing domestic flights to operate at full capacity on Wednesday instead of limiting the number of available seats as a COVID-19 precautionary measures, according to the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

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Flights in the Kingdom resumed in May, but GACA had said at the time that all middle seats must remain empty to maintain social distancing measures between passengers.

The authority urged passengers to wear face masks throughout their flights and to disinfect their hands regularly.

Domestic tourism has become increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia in the past year, as the pandemic forced the Kingdom to halt international flights and ban travel for several months at a time.

Despite the resumption of international flights, many Saudi nationals have opted to travel around the country instead.

Saudia Airlines bans unvaccinated passengers

The Kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, banned all unvaccinated passengers from domestic flights starting from September 1.

Only passengers who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to fly on the airline, according to an official statement.

The rule does not apply to children under 12 years old or people who are exempt from taking the vaccine for health reasons, the airline