publish time

19/11/2020

author name Arab Times

publish time

19/11/2020

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 19: While it is expected that the Council of Ministers, in its scheduled session on Thursday, would consider the proposal submitted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to lift the ban on 34 countries, DGCA has refused the idea of extending its authority to the maintenance of the quarantine centers that are intended to receive citizens and others from the banned countries, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to an informed source, DGCA has requested the Cabinet to participate in the management of the quarantine centers, as the responsibilities of the DGCA would be to operate the airport and provide aircraft.

He explained that conditions are favorable for the return of flights from the banned countries, based on the Cabinet's mandate to DGCA regarding the return of flights between Kuwait and those countries. There is no problem that impedes this matter, and the national airlines are also prepared in terms of providing inspection centers with the precautionary measures onboard the aircraft and after arrival, subject to all health requirements, including checks on arrival and mandatory institutional quarantine.

DGCA has recently received offers from companies specialized in providing quarantine services, including hotels and residential buildings, but the prices of these companies are extremely exaggerated and reach KD 600 to KD 700 per person for a period of 14 days. It includes the flight ticket, PCR tests, accommodation and three meals a day. On the other hand, the prices offered by some neighboring countries are around KD 300 to KD 350.

It is expected that new reduced offers will be received from the companies, but it is up to the Council of Ministers to take the appropriate decision and determine the mechanism.

In addition, the source said Kuwait Airways had offered to provide meals from the company, "Casco".