Saudi Arabia to begin gradual resumption of domestic flights from May 31

The phased return will cover all local destinations within two weeks, authorities say

People walk outside the King Abdulaziz Airport upon their arrival to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. AFP

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation body is allowing the resumption of some domestic flights from Sunday May 31 as the kingdom relaxes containment measures put in place amid the spread of the coronavirus.

The resumption of domestic flights will be in stages to include all local destinations within two weeks, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said. The kingdom suspended domestic flights on March 21 in the wake of the spread of the pandemic around the world.

"Based on what was submitted by the competent health authorities ... regarding the return of some vital activities in accordance with the health controls and precautionary measures taken in combat of the novel coronavirus, the GACA announces the issuance of the approval for the resumption of domestic flights ... by the national air carriers," the state run Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will resume 60 flights each day in the first phase, according to SPA. All domestic flights to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah will be operated through the new Terminal 1. The carrier said it continues to operate its international flights to repatriate citizens.

The first stage includes the operation of the following airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, Abha International Airport, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, Hail International Airport, King Saud Airport in Al-Bahah, and Najran Airport.

The kingdom is also lifting bans on domestic travel, holding prayers in mosques, and workplace attendance in both the government and private sector.

The kingdom has recorded 76,726 cases of Covid-19 as of Tuesday, with 411 deaths and 48,450 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak globally.