EgyptAir suspends flights to Khartoum Airport for 72 hrs amid escalated clashes

CAIRO - 15 April 2023: EgyptAir suspended temporarily its flights to and from Khartoum Airport amid the escalated clashes that erupted on Saturday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary fighters in the capital.

 

Egypt's flagship airline, announced the decision, in light of information received about disturbances in the security situation in the brotherly state of Sudan. 

 

The company added that it announces the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Khartoum Airport, as of Saturday, corresponding to April 15, 2023, for a period of 72 days until the airline is informed on the developments in the situation in Sudan.

 

EgyptAir called on its customers to review their reservations to and from Khartoum Airport by contacting the EgyptAir Communications Service Center.

 

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is following with deep concern the developments in Sudan in the wake of the ongoing clashes.

“Egypt calls on all Sudanese parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to protect the lives and resources of the brotherly Sudanese people and uphold the supreme interests of the nation,” the ministry added.

 

What happened?

Clashes erupted Saturday in several locations in the center of Sudan’s capital of Khartoum with the Sudanese Armed Forces accusing the RSF of attacking the army’s General Command first.

The Sudanese army said its Air Forces are also conducting airstrikes against the RSF, Reuters reported.

The RSF, which also accuses the army of attacking them first, has claimed to have seized control of the Republican Palace and Khartoum International Airport.

However, Reuters quoted the army as saying that it is still in control of all bases and airports across the capital.