Saudi flights cancelled over security fears
British Airways has announced that it is to cease all flights to Saudi Arabia until further notice.
The flag carrier has cancelled its 16 regular flights each day to Saudi Arabia, landing at Jeddah and Riyadh. The decision was made after talks with the Department for Transport.
The decision is in response to a ‘specific’ threat to its aircraft, though it is not related to an arrest earlier today of arms dealers in the USA.
BA’s director of safety and security, Geoff Want, explained, ‘As a matter of precaution we have decided to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia for the time being and we will continue to liaise closely with the British government.’
Saudi Arabia last suffered serious terrorist attacks in a triple bombing in May, which saw thirty-five people killed.
Foreign Office advice to anyone considering travelling to Saudi Arabia is that they should only do so if it is necessary and that they should make sure their security arrangements are appropriate.
The news comes the day after British Airways was given permission to resume flights to Basra in Iraq because of the view that conditions in the British run city are now considered safe.
