Saudi Arabia suspends international flights

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended all international passenger flights for citizens and residents over fears about the fast-spreading new variant of the coronavirus

The kingdoms interior ministry says the one-week flight ban may be extended "until medical information about the nature of this virus becomes clear." The country's land and seaports will also close for a week. The government ordered anyone who has returned from or passed through a European country over the past three months to get tested for COVID-19 immediately

The ministry added that the travel suspension will not affect the country's cargo flights and supply chains.