Until September 2023, all flydubai bookings to Sudan remain suspended
Due to fierce battles between Sudan's warring political rivals, and little sign of the opposing sides respecting an agreement to protect civilians, UAE-based airlines have canceled flights to the African nation.
Flight suspensions to Khartoum have been extended until August 31 by Emirates airline. Emirates said in a statement: "Due to deteriorating civil unrest in Khartoum, all Emirates flights to and from Khartoum (EK733/EK734) are cancelled from April 15 to August 31."
Earlier, Dubai's flagship carrier announced that all flights to and from Khartoum (EK733/EK734) would be canceled until April 30.
Until further notice, travellers connecting on Emirates or flydubai flights to Sudan will not be accepted for travel at the point of origin. Those who have booked with travel agents should contact them for alternative travel arrangements or refund requests.
For customers who have booked directly with Emirates, a refund form can be completed or you can contact the local office for rebooking options.
Any updates regarding travel operations will be announced in due course as the airline closely monitors the situation in Khartoum.
Suspension of FlyDubai extended
Dubai's budget airline flydubai has also extended its suspension of flights to Sudan. Booking options to Khartoum is only available from October 2023. Earlier, the airline announced flight cancellations between Dubai and Khartoum International Airport (KRT) until May 31.
Passengers of flydubai affected by the flight cancellations are advised to contact the call centre in Dubai on (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shop or their respective travel agents for rebooking or refund options.
Sudanese stranded in UAE
Airports in Sharjah and Dubai provide support to Sudanese transit passengers who cannot complete their journey to Khartoum. The passengers were provided with temporary hotel stay until they are able to travel to Khartoum or they choose to fly to other destinations.
Humanitarian relief provided by the UAE
The UAE continues to provide humanitarian aid to those caught in the crossfire. On May 11, Emirates has sent three aid planes to support the Sudanese people, carrying more than 116 tonnes of medical and food supplies.
In addition to medical supplies sent by the UAE, the country also sent antibiotics, non-steroidal medications, anti-inflammatories, wound dressings, surgical tape, and endoscopy kits.
Four evacuation planes carrying 253 nationals from several countries have arrived in the UAE over the past few days, bringing the total number of planes arriving from Sudan to nine. UAE prioritises the evacuation of the most vulnerable groups, including the sick, children, the elderly, and women.
After the evacuation and stay in Port Sudan, the UAE continues to provide hosting and care services to the evacuees. Moreover, the UAE has hosted nationals from approximately 26 different countries after being evacuated on these planes, which have carried 997 people since 29 April. The UAE has provided all necessary care services while they are in the UAE prior to returning to their home countries.
Sudanese conflict
The conflict that erupted a month ago has killed hundreds of people, forced more than 200,000 refugees into neighbouring states, and threatens to destabilize the region by drawing in outside powers.