Emirates airline has cancelled flights to and from Khartoum after military forces in Sudan detained senior government officials on Monday.
Dubai’s flagship carrier said flights to and from Khartoum (EK 733/734) stand cancelled from October 25 to 27.
Emirates said in a statement on Monday,
“Customers with final destination Khartoum will not be accepted until further notice from any point on the Emirates network. Affected customers should contact their booking agents for rebooking options. Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused,”
Military forces detained at least five senior Sudanese government figures on Monday, officials said, as the country's main pro-democracy group called on people to take to the streets to counter an apparent military coup.
A possible takeover by the military would be a major setback for Sudan, which has grappled with a transition to democracy since long-time autocrat Omar Al Bashir was toppled by mass protests.
The arrests of senior officials come after weeks of rising tensions between Sudan’s civilian and military leaders. A failed coup attempt in September fractured the country along old lines, pitting more-conservatives who want a military government against those who toppled Al Bashir more than two years ago in mass protests. In recent days, both camps have taken to the street in demonstrations.
News Source: Khaleej Times
