Emirates is suspending all flights to Khartoum until the fall 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.
"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,” the statement read.
Initially the airline had suspended all flights from Khartoum till April end. As of now, bookings 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 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.
Besides, Emirates has rescued hundreds of Sudanese people with evacuation planes
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.