Sudan Unrest: Saudi Airlines plane hit by gunfire at Khartoum Airport

A Saudi Airlines passenger plane preparing to take off from Sudan for Saudi Arabia came under fire on Saturday as deadly fighting rocked Khartoum.

In the latest development, the Rapid Support Forces takeover of Khartoum International Airport, Sudan halting air traffic for an indefinite period

As per the media reports, during the ongoing military coup in Sudan, two aircraft are known to have been badly damaged or destroyed while parked at Khartoum International Airport.

The Airbus A330 bound for Saudi Arabia “was exposed to gunfire damage… with guests and crew on board” ahead of its scheduled departure to Riyadh, the kingdom’s flag carrier said in a statement.

“It has been confirmed that all members of the aircraft’s cabin crew have safely arrived at the Saudi Embassy in Sudan,” the statement said.

“Meanwhile aircraft flying over Sudan have returned and all other flights to and from Sudan have been suspended in order to preserve the safety of the guests and crew.”

Some terrifying images are emerging on the Twitter timeline from Sudan’s capital city including its airport.

Latest: Sudan — airline jets at Khartoum Intl Airport appear to have been destroyed amid the ongoing military coup currently under way in the capital. Saudia Airbus A330 and SkyUp Boeing 737 on fire at the airport amid heavy gunfire & blasts #Sudan pic.twitter.com/VW6SflNgvR

— Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) April 15, 2023

🚨#UPDATE: Rapid Support Forces takeover of Khartoum International Airport, #Sudan halting air traffic for an indefinite period pic.twitter.com/4VA4F9Mqnr

— Breaking News 24/7 (@Worldsource24) April 15, 2023

Departure Hall Khartoum Airport #Sudan pic.twitter.com/Eia1B5Y7De

— Nada. (@NadaWanni) April 15, 2023

Furthermore, the Saudi embassy in Sudan “urges all Saudi citizens to remain at home”, the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.