Even though the cabinet on Aug 18, agreed to operate direct flights with six countries — India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, a final decision on the operational procedures are expected by this week as the initial meeting held between DGCA and MoH did not reach a conclusion.

According to Arabic newspaper Al-Anba, on Sunday meeting with the DGCA, the Ministry of Health (MoH) officials has said there is a need to set conditions, standards and controls to organize flights from countries that were previously classified 'high risk' and not to rush into taking decisions.

The sources expect the operation schedules and distribution of flights to be finalized this week.