Omicron: Saudi Arabia cancels lesser hajj, bars flight from Nigeria

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has barred all flights from Nigeria effectively ending all hopes for those planning to attend the lesser hajj.

This is according to a circular issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia dated December 8, 2021.

Several sources in the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Kano, as well as officials at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) told Daily Trust that there was an order to restrict flights from Nigeria over Omicron.

The publication also reported that an official at the Kano Airport confirmed that a circular was issued, directing that all lesser Hajj trips should be canceled.

The source said;

“Yes it is true because a circular was issued that all Lesser Hajj flights should be canceled and there will be no more flights from Nigeria until further notice.

“I think they are following suit the decision of other countries like UK to prevent against having the virus in the kingdom.”

It was also gathered that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia later confirmed the flight suspension in a circular to all airlines operating in the Kingdom.