Saudi Arabia bars Pakistani plane from entering airspace
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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Friday prevented a Pakistani airplane from entering its airspace, citing safety reasons, media reported.
A Shaheen Air flight was denied entry for failing to meet the safety standards set by the Saudi government, Xinhua news agency reported citing Al Arabiya News.
The Pakistani carrier had reportedly applied for the necessary documents in advance but the request was rejected.
The Boeing 767 is reportedly registered in Jordan and is on loan to Shaheen Air. The plane's registration bans it from entering European airspace, the report said.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said the safety of Saudi airspace remains a top priority and it will not allow any violations of protocol or regulations.
This is the second plane to be barred from entering Saudi airspace. Two days ago, Saudi Arabia barred an Iranian carrier with pilgrims on board for the same reason.
