ISLAMABAD: The Aviation Division on Friday said that flight operation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was continuing as per schedule.

A press release issued by the Aviation Division said that in line with instructions of Saudi Arabia, Umrah pilgrims and tourist visa holders from Pakistan would not be able to travel to the holy land.

However, the people holding work permit and permanent resident cards of Saudi Arabia would be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia cancels Umrah pilgrim visits over coronavirus fears

Meanwhile, Aviation Division has established an emergency control room which will operate round the clock in order to coordinate activities related to the control of novel Coronavirus.

The telephone numbers of the control room are: 051- 9212378 and 051-9244438.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has suspended direct flight operation to Iran for an indefinite period.

According to a press release of the Aviation Division, the flights coming from Iran have also been suspended.

On Feb 26, Arab News reported that Saudi Arabia had temporarily banned Umrah pilgrims from visiting the country because of the coronavirus outbreak in many of the nations.

International Muslims come to the Kingdom to conduct Umrah in Makkah and visit Madinah in Masjid-e-Nabawi.

Tourists from countries where the virus spread had also been prohibited from entering the Kingdom, he said.

Saudi health authorities had said the ban was one of many precautions they were taking. They were monitoring the situation closely too, they had said.