Saudi GACA: No travel if body temperature above 38 Celsius

RIYADH – Any passenger with a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will be denied entry into the Kingdom’s airports. This is in line with the health protocols prepared by competent health authorities, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) as stressing on Monday.

GACA's assertion comes within the precautionary health measures taken by it at all the 28 airports in the Kingdom.

Prior to the resumption of domestic flights in the Kingdom on Sunday, GACA has has issued a travelers’ guide. It includes the precautionary measures at airports and the safety rules passengers will have to follow.

Travelers are also required to disclose their medical information, especially if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, when booking flights and electronic payments are the preferred mode.

Ticket outlets at airports will remain closed to limit contact between people, GACA said.

Passengers also will need to arrive at airports two hours before departure, go through a thermal check, sterilize their hands before entrance and must wear masks and gloves at all times.

Only one piece of carry-on luggage is allowed per person and everyone must maintain a safe distance at all times, guided by special stickers on the ground. Accompanying travelers to airports is limited to those helping senior citizens and people with disabilities, GACA added.

GACA has provided all of the Kingdom’s 28 airports with sterilizers, installed glass shields at check-in points and required all staff and air crew to go through medical exams.

Airline staff, like passengers, will be required to disinfect their hands, and wear masks and gloves. Meanwhile, airports will be cleaned every three hours and planes will be disinfected after each flight.

Aboard flights, there will be an empty seat between passengers, who are also discouraged from using cash payments for services and goods purchased during the flight.

All those entering the airports should be wearing a cloth mask or other types of face coverings, the guidelines said also asking passengers to wear masks during the flight and during the disembarkation process.