New Delhi: In a move to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Saudi Arabia has suspended all international flights for two weeks, starting Sunday, state news agency SPA said on Saturday, citing an official source at interior ministry.

The period will be considered as an exceptional official holiday for citizens and residents who are unable to return due to the suspension of flights or if they face quarantine after their return to the Kingdom, SPA cited the official as saying.

After 24 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in the Arabian Kingdom, the Middle East nation has reported 86 coronavirus cases, one of the highest in the Asian continent.

Some flights would only be allowed in "exceptional cases" during the two-week period, the ministry said. For residents who cannot come back during this period, it will be considered as an official holiday.

Necessary arrangements will be made regarding health procedures such as examination and isolation according to the preventive measures approved for all arrivals.

The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant parties, will arrange for the arrival of citizens who wish to return, and the relevant procedures will be soon announced, the statement added.