A total 866 Egyptians, who were trapped in Saudi Arabia, have been repatriated on Tuesday, under the supervision of the Egyptian consulate in Jeddah, after the Saudi authorities suspended flights with Egypt.
In a statement, the consulate said it is following the latest measures against the outbreak of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and is communicating with Egyptian pilgrims in Jeddah, Medina, Yanbu, and Makkah, and other visitors who want to return to Egypt.
The consulate has also contacted the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, in addition to Egyptian and Saudi flagship airlines to coordinate emergency flights for the 866 Egyptians.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended travel for citizens and residents to and from nine COVID-19 affected countries around the world. The kingdom also decided to stop air and sea flights with those countries: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Italy, and South Korea. The Kingdom is also suspending the entry of those coming from the mentioned countries, or the entry of those who spent there 14 days prior to their arrival.
