Saudi Arabia suspended all international passenger flights for one week in response to a new strain of the coronavirus or Covid-19.

Entry to the Kingdom through land and sea ports has also been suspended and this period may be extended by another week.

The decisions were made in response to the emergence of a potent new strain of the virus in the UK and other European countries.

Some flights will be allowed in exceptional circumstances, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday (December 21).

However, the movement of goods, commodities and supply chains from countries where the mutated virus has not appeared will continue as usual.