RIYADH: A fake circular suggesting Saudi Arabia will resume international flights in October has been condemned as “completely baseless and fabricated” by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Rumors that international flights will shortly return have been circulating on social media in recent weeks without any official statement from GACA.
On Tuesday, the authority denied announcing the resumption of international flights and said information being circulated was fabricated.
Saudi Arabia suspended international flights from March 15 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since domestic flights restarted on May 31, rumors have been circulating regarding the return of international flights. On Monday, the bogus GACA circular was shared on various social media platforms suggesting flights into and out of Saudi Arabia would resume in October. It sparked a flurry of speculation.
The circular, titled “No flights till October 2020,” said: “An employee of the GACA has stated in a recent interview that all international flights to and from the Kingdom are to remain suspended till the month of October.” Quoting a GACA official, the circular said that the decision was subject to the number of coronavirus cases, which must “come down to three digits.”
GACA official spokesman Ibrahim bin Abdullah Alrwosa told Arab News the circular “is completely baseless and fabricated.”
He shared a tweet from the authority’s public relations department describing the circular as incorrect.
The civil aviation authority has previously said there is no specific date for the resumption of international flights, he added.
All international flights remain suspended until further notice.
However, exceptions have been made for humanitarian assistance and emergency cases, medical evacuation flights and repatriation of stranded citizens and expatriates wanting to return home.
Saudi civil aviation condemns 'fake circular' saying international flights resuming in October
https://arab.news/8bfrp
Saudi civil aviation condemns 'fake circular' saying international flights resuming in October
- Aviation chiefs issue official denial after fake circular says passengers can fly to and from Kingdom from October
Prince Sattam University to showcase innovative solutions, emerging technologies at World Defense Show
- The university’s participation is expected to enhance integration between scientific research and defense industries
RIYADH: Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University is to take part in the World Defense Show, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, which takes place from Feb. 8-12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
The university’s participation in this international event marks a strategic step aimed at strengthening the role of Saudi academic institutions in the national research and development ecosystem.
The university is capable of achieving that by highlighting its applied research outputs and emerging technologies in the fields of defense and security in a way that enhances the efficiency of national industries and provides innovative, actionable solutions to address security and technological challenges.
The university will showcase at its exhibition pavilion a range of distinguished innovations developed within its premises, including artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, advanced control and monitoring systems, and intelligent surveillance systems.
The achievements reflect the university’s commitment to leveraging scientific research to serve vital national sectors, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in developing national human capabilities and supporting the transition to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven national economy.
The university’s participation is expected to enhance integration between scientific research and defense industries, open new channels of collaboration with global and local institutions and companies, attract attention to the applied research produced by the university, and encourage researchers and students to engage in major national projects.
