On 15th April, a Saudia Airbus A330 and a SkyUp Airlines Boeing 737 were damaged at Khartoum International Airport in Sudan after an armed clash broke out between Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army.
The Saudia Airbus A330-300, with registration HZ-AQ30 was reportedly preparing to depart as flight SV458 bound for Riyadh. However, the flight was cancelled after the aircraft was heavily damaged by the gunshots and fire.
Moreover, a SkyUp Boeing 737-800, probably with registration UR-SQH was also damaged during the armed fighting in Khartoum. Multiple other civilian aircraft have been damaged by fire and gunshots.
#KhartoumAirport has shut down all traffic. Fighting is ongoing in the city. Sudanese Air Force is involved in the fighting. Fatalities feared. Multiple aircraft were hit by RPG fire and gunshots. Developing situation… pic.twitter.com/g3oaybYwOO
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) April 15, 2023
“Saudia clarifies that its A330 aircraft, flight number SV458 was involved in an accident at Khartoum International Airport before taking off to Riyadh at 0730hrs UTC this morning, Saturday, April 15,” said a Saudia spokesperson.
“Saudia’s emergency team immediately responded, working alongside all relevant authorities, led by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Sudan, to obtain more information about this accident. All flights to and from Saudan have been suspended until further notice.”
According to local reports, the RSF has taken over control of Khartoum International Airport and all flights have been cancelled until further notice.
Departure Hall Khartoum Airport #Sudan pic.twitter.com/Eia1B5Y7De
— Nada. (@NadaWanni) April 15, 2023
Feature Image via Twitter