A Jeddah-bound Iranian plane carrying 260 Umrah pilgrims was barred from entering Saudi airspace on Wednesday because the airline responsible did not apply in advance for permission to do so, said the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).
Khaled Al-Khaibari, GACA’s spokesman, said the airline failed to send in an application specifying the type of aircraft, its registration, certificate of validity and other documents to ensure the safety of travelers, said the SPA.
Al-Khaibari said airlines failing to provide this documentation are not allowed to enter Saudi airspace. This was standard practice throughout the world, he said.
“Such violations, whether committed by an Iranian airline or others, would not be allowed in Saudi airspace,” said Al-Khaibari, in a statement.
Iran Umrah jet sans permission denied entry into Saudi airspace
Iran Umrah jet sans permission denied entry into Saudi airspace
