Sudan unrest: Saudi plane hit by gunfire, UAE airlines cancel flights

Dhaka: A passenger airplane of Saudi Arabian Airlines preparing to depart Sudan for Saudi Arabia came under fire air on April 15 as deadly fighting rocked Khartoum, the Kingdom’s flag carrier said.

The Airbus A330 bound for Saudi Arabia “was exposed to gunfire damage…with guests and crew on board” ahead of its scheduled departure to Riyadh,” Saudia said, as per reports.

“It has been confirmed that all members of the aircraft’s cabin crew have safely arrived at the Saudi Embassy in Sudan,” the statement added.

“Meanwhile, aircraft flying over Sudan have returned and all other flights to and from Sudan have been suspended in order to preserve the safety of the passengers and crew,” it further mentioned.

Furthermore, USA-based airlines, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia, have all suspended their flights to Sudan from April 15 to April 17 due to the current civil unrest taking place in the country, spokespersons of the respective airlines said, as per reports.

Dubai-based airlines, Emirates and flydubai, have suspended their flights to Sudan from April 15 to April 17, while Air Arabia has suspended all flights to Sudan until further notice.

“Due to the growing situation of civil unrest in the Sudanese capital, Emirates can confirm that all its flights to and from Khartoum are cancelled from April 15 to April 17 inclusive. Passengers are connecting to Khartoum on these flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Affected passengers should contact their respective travel agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking options,” said a spokesperson for Emirates, according to reports.

Flights between Dubai and Khartoum International Airport by flydubai have also been cancelled from April 15 to April 17.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation,” said a flydubai spokesperson, reports added.

Reports claimed Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces had taken control over the presidential palace, the residence of the army chief, and KRT on April 15 as clashes erupted with the army in an escalating power struggle.

As per reports, the RSF also took over the airports in the northern city of Merowe and El-Obeid in the west.

Gunfire could be heard in several parts of Khartoum and eyewitnesses reported shooting in adjoining cities.

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