The National Carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), has suspended flights to and from Khartoum, Sudan, amid conflict among the armed forces.

However, in a statement, KQ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said they continue to monitor the situation in Sudan before issuing any updates to flyers.

“We wish to inform our customers that we have adjusted the schedules for our flights to and from Europe by approximately one hour to cater for the rerouting of these flights, “read part of the statement.

The suspension is attributed to the violent clashes in Sudan that have prompted the Sudanese Civil Aviation authorities to ban flights throughout its airspace.

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According to eyewitnesses, explosions and gunfire were reported in the commercial centre, with streets deserted.

 It came after the paramilitary announced that it had taken control of the presidential palace, the airport, and other vital facilities.

Further, a video circulating online showed that planes were set ablaze on the tarmac at the Khartoum international airport. Another video showed a fighter jet, allegedly from the military, flying low atop the besieged city.



Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, said earlier that one of its planes, with passengers and crew aboard waiting for departure, was “exposed to gunfire damage.”

The Sudanese airspace is a critical route for planes on transit to Kenya from Europe and other countries in the south of Africa.

The redirection of the Nairobi-bound flight came after several airlines suspended flights to Sudan.