06 Aug 2018 | 09:53 PM UTC
Canada/Saudi Arabia: Saudia airline suspends flights via Toronto from August 13
Saudia airline suspends all flights arriving in or departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from August 13 amid diplomatic row; unclear when regularly scheduled flight services will resume
Event
Saudi national airline Saudia announced on Monday, August 6, that it will suspend all flights in and out of Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Monday, August 13. The announcement comes as a diplomatic row between Saudi Arabia and Canada has escalated in recent days. It is unclear when Saudia flight services to and from YYZ will resume.
Context
The diplomatic row between Canada and Saudi Arabia began on August 3 when Canada expressed concerns about women's rights activists jailed in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has accused Canada of interfering in its domestic affairs and has suspended all new trade ties with Canada. On August 5, Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador and recalled its own ambassador from Ottawa.
Advice
Potentially affected travelers are advised to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport and to contact the airline for more information.
