Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has affected international plans destined for South Sudan.
Deng Dau Deng, the acting minister of foreign affairs, said that the upper airspace is distorted due to the ongoing fighting in neighboring Sudan.
South Sudan’s airspace for international flights is still under Sudan’s control.
Communication was interrupted after the war broke out on Saturday between Sudan’s army and a paramilitary force, the Rapid Support Force (RSF).
This came after the Sudanese authorities officially closed the airport on Saturday, shortly after a serious military confrontation occurred at Khartoum International Airport.
The closure of Sudanese airspace has had a significant impact on major airlines operating in Africa, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Saudi Airlines, which may have to reroute flights to South American countries.
Deng Dau, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, confirmed that the upper space of the country’s airspace has been affected by the conflict, although some airlines have managed to maneuver their way into the country amidst the challenges.
Meanwhile, Kur Kuol, director general of Juba International Airport, told the media early that flights to and from South Sudan were uninterrupted, except for Sudan.
He also revealed that international airlines have created a new route to reach South Sudan, adding that they left the route passing through Sudan.
“On the issue of air traffic control, the South Sudan upper airspace (2250) is interrupted.”
South Sudan’s airspace is still being managed by Sudan.
He expressed that the lower airspace (245) is approachable, but there are some routes that are affected by the Sudanese conflict.
“The route coming from the Upper Nile-Malakal, from Sudan, is affected. There is also a route from Eritrea as you cross to western Ethiopia… all the other routes are open,” Deng said.
Deng added that some international airlines, have found their own way to Juba amidst the prevailing circumstances.
“There are three international airlines to Juba that were affected, but they have their own routing and have arrived in Juba safe.”
According to government officials, the affected airlines that navigated through the storm include Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, and Dubai Airlines.
However, Deng expressed worries that flight fees might increase due to the current situation in Sudan, which may disrupt international flights.
“I know it will be an added burden on the ticket; this is something that will be definite,” he said.
He added that other flights, like Kenyan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Ugandan Airlines, and Rwandan Airlines, are accessing South Sudan.
“Our lower airspace has been managed and is very safe,” he said.
Borders.
Deng said Juba will continue to alert the states bordering Sudan in the hope of detecting any developments for a quick response from the government.
“So far, South Sudan has alerted its northern states, the Upper Nile, Ruweng Administrative Area, Unity, Warrap Northern Bahr el-Ghazal, and Western Bahr el-Ghazal. Just to keep the border alert and to see the movement,” Deng said.
He urged both parties to the conflict to accept a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities to allow talks to take place.
However, according to Ops Group, an attempt to en route to South Sudan via some new routes remains a challenge owing to poor services in air traffic control.
“You may be tempted to fly below FL245 through South Sudanese airspace to ensure air traffic control services, and the primary risk there is poor levels of ATC provision, especially for aircraft operating in and out of HSSJ/Juba,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, according to Flight Global, Sudan’s civil aviation authority has notified travelers that airspace over the country is closed, with a suspension of air navigation services within the Khartoum flight information region.
The Khartoum International Airport (KRT) has been closed following violent clashes between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
The violent encounter between the two parties began on April 15 and has since resulted in the destruction of two parked aircraft, including Saudi Arabia’s Airbus A330-300, which was preparing for departure to Riyadh, and a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine’s SkyUp Airlines.
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