Dubai-based Emirates is suspending flights to Khartoum until the fall, at the earliest, citing civil unrest in the capital of Sudan. The airline posted a travel notice on its website, indicating the flight cancelations would last through the summer.
The suspension also includes fights operated by flydubai, Emirates’ airline partner. The airline said it will continue to monitor the situation in Khartoum closely.
“Until further notice”
In a statement, Emirates briefed travelers on the suspension extension.
“Due to a deteriorating situation of civil unrest in Khartoum, all Emirates flights to/from Khartoum (EK733/EK734) are cancelled from 15th April till 31st August. Customers connecting on Emirates or flydubai flights to Sudan will not be accepted for travel at the point of origin until further notice. We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers.”
Photo: Karol Ciesluk/Shutterstock
According to Khaleej Times, the carrier had initially announced that all flights to and from Khartoum were suspended until the end of April, while flydubai said that flights would be canceled until May 31st. Currently, bookings on the budget airline to Khartoum are only available from October this year.
“Affected customers who have booked with travel agents should contact them for alternative travel arrangements or request for refund,” Emirates said. “Customers who have booked directly with Emirates may request by completing the refund form or contact their local office for rebooking options.”
The situation in Sudan
The unrest in Sudan broke out last month and has resulted in the death of hundreds of people. More than 200,000 were sent to neighboring states, while another 700,000 people have been displaced, according to Khaleej Times.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Khartoum and updates with regards to Emirates operations will be published in due course,” Emirates explained.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
The suspended flights have left some Sudan natives stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Last month, the Dubai Airports started helping Sudanese travelers who could not return to Khartoum.
“They have been offered temporary accommodation until they are able to travel to Khartoum or they choose to fly to other destinations,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson said to Khaleej Times.
Assisting the people of Sudan
The UAE is also providing humanitarian relief to the people affected by the situation in Sudan. Last week, Emirates flew three aircraft containing more than 116 tonnes of medical supplies and food to support the Sudanese people. Medical supplies included a variety of medicines for trauma-related injuries and emergency wounds. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and surgical tools were also provided.
Emirates has rescued hundreds of Sudanese people with evacuation planes. According to Khaleej Times, the UAE is first evacuating the most vulnerable groups of people, including the ill, children, the elderly, and women.
Other airlines have also suspended flights to Khartoum until further notice. Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, canceled flights after one of its planes was shot at the Khartoum airport, according to The National. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways will not be operating flights to Sudan until the end of the month at the earliest.
Source: Khaleej Times (1), (2), The National