From 13 August, all Saudia flights between Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have been suspended after a diplomatic row between Canada and Saudi Arabia. On 3 August, Canada raised their concern about additional arrests of civil society and women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including Samar Badawi. In an official statement Canada urged the Saudi authorities to immediately release them and all other peaceful human rights activists.
Saudi Arabia’s national airline Saudia suspended flights to and from Toronto in an escalating feud with Canada over the arrest of several prominent human-rights activists.
Saudia announced on Twitter Monday evening that it would be suspending inbound and outbound flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport beginning August 13. Toronto was previously the only Canadian destination Saudia served.
The sudden announcement prompted concern among passengers traveling to and from Canada.
Others asked about the influx of North American travelers with planned trips to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which begins next week. More than 2.4 million worshippers descended onto the Islamic holy site in 2017, and millions are expected this year.
In response, Saudia promised to waive penalties and fees temporarily beginning on Monday for all upcoming direct flights to or from Toronto. The airline added that it was working to find alternate solutions to the issue.
The feud appeared to have begun on Friday after Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised concerns about some women’s rights activists who were arrested .
Among the women recently arrested is Samar Badawi, an award-winning women’s rights activist who has fought to abolish the country’s patriarchal male guardianship laws, and who is also the sister of jailed human-rights blogger Raif Badawi.
In a retaliatory move, Saudi Arabia announced it was freezing all new investment and business with Canada , and gave its ambassador 24 hours to leave the country.
“The Kingdom views the Canadian position as an affront to the Kingdom that requires a sharp response to prevent any party from attempting to meddle with Saudi sovereignty,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
In the first public response to Saudi Arabia’s escalation, Canada’s foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada was “seriously concerned” about the Kindom’s actions, and is “seeking greater clarity.”