On April 15, 2023, a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane came under fire at Khartoum International Airport in Sudan. The airline, also known as Saudia, released a statement confirming that the plane was hit during clashes that took place at the airport. There were no reports of any injuries among the passengers or crew.
The incident took place amidst ongoing political turmoil in Sudan, which has been experiencing widespread protests against the military-led government. In October 2022, a military coup ousted the country’s civilian Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, and installed General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as the head of a transitional government. Since then, there have been calls for the restoration of civilian rule and an end to military involvement in the country’s politics.
The situation in Sudan has led to heightened security measures at Khartoum airport, with the military guarding the premises. The clashes that occurred on Saturday reportedly involved armed groups and the military, and it is unclear who was responsible for firing at the Saudi Arabian Airlines plane.
Saudia has stated that it is working with authorities in Sudan to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The airline has suspended flights to Khartoum until further notice.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in Sudan, as well as the wider impact of the country’s political instability. Sudan has long struggled with economic and social challenges, and the recent political crisis has only exacerbated these issues.
The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Sudan, with many urging the military to step down and allow for the return of civilian rule. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the impact of the crisis on the humanitarian situation in the country, where millions are in need of assistance.
The incident at Khartoum airport highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Sudan and the potential impact on air travel and safety in the country. It is important for all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis and to ensure the safety of all individuals, including those who rely on air travel for business or personal reasons
