Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has decided to withdraw all licences granted to Qatar Airways and ordered the closure of all its offices in the country.

In addition, the licenses granted by GACA to all Qatar Airways employees will be revoked.

The decision comes after diplomatic and consular ties were severed by the Government of Saudi with Qatar, state-owned Saudi Press Agency reported.

A circular was issued in this direction by the GACA banning all Qatari air carriers and state / government aircraft from landing in the country’s airports or using its airspace.

In addition, all Saudi registered commercial / private air operators have been banned from operating in Qatar.

"All Saudi registered commercial / private air operators have been banned from operating in Qatar."

Furthermore, suspension orders were issued by the Egyptian authorities in relation to flights operating between Egypt and Qatar.

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The authorities also closed the country’s airspace for all Qatar-based flights.

A similar decision has been taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.

In response to the orders taken by the Arab countries, Qatar Airways suspended flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt. 

Meanwhile, GACA has advised all passengers who have booked tickets to and from Qatar to reach out to the airlines or travel agents to regain tickets or compensation.

Headquartered in central Riyadh, the General Authority of Civil Aviation is the supervisory and regulatory body dealing with aviation and related matters.