Emirates suspends flights to Saudi, Kuwait and Oman

Dubai-based Emirates has suspended flights to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. The move came after the three Gulf countries shut their borders over a new, more infectious strain of Covid-19 that's spreading in Europe.

"Due to the closure of Saudi Arabian, Kuwaiti and Omani borders, Emirates will be suspending flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 21‑27 December, and Kuwait and Oman from 22‑28 December," the airline posted on its website.

"Customers connecting on flights bound for these destinations will not be accepted at origin. We regret any inconvenience caused," it added.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad had on Monday announced the suspension of flights to the three Gulf countries after their borders were closed.

The developments come after several European countries banned travel from Britain on Sunday as the UK government warned that a highly infectious new strain of the virus was “out of control”.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, Jordan, too, said it was banning all direct and indirect flights from the United Kingdom until January 3, according to a statement by Minister of State for Media Affairs Ali Ayed.

ALSO READ: New Covid-19 strain: Full list of countries that have banned flights, travel

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi