Ukraine’s SkyUp Airlines has now evacuated all 36 of its employees from Sudan. The evacuation effort was achieved with the assistance of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, other state institutions, and with the communication support of international partners.
The status of the aircraft remaining at Khartoum airport is currently unknown, but the airline has stated that this situation does not affect its operational activities.
SkyUp Airlines is continuing to operate flight services under all current contracts.
The situation in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum deteriorated badly on the weekend of April 15, when tensions boiled over between two military factions – the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
When the RSF attempted to take over Khartoum International Airport (KRT), several commercial aircraft were destroyed and damaged in the conflict. SkyUp Airlines suffered the loss of a Boeing 737-800, registered UR-SQH.
Evacuation to Egypt
All employees of the airline have now been taken to the territory of Egypt. The evacuation was assisted by joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Sudan, the Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt, and other foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine.
The airline reports that the evacuation involved a complex multistage operation under the supervision of the airline’s crisis center and representatives of state institutions.
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In the time since the beginning of hostilities in Sudan on April 15, representatives of the airline have been in contact with colleagues, helping provide food, water, and other necessary items. All employees are reported to be currently resting and will return home soon.
The company expressed its sincere gratitude to colleagues “for keeping calm, showing bravery, endurance, courage, and managing to cope with a stressful situation.”
“We also express our sincere gratitude to all representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine for their extraordinary professionalism and patience,” the airline stated.
Current situation at Khartoum airport
with the continuation of hostilities in the Sudanese capital, SkyUp has stated that they have been unable to conduct the necessary examination and provide conclusions with respect to assets at Khartoum airport.
The airline commented: “Regarding this situation, we act under the protocols accepted in the aviation industry, partnership agreements, and within the framework of national legislation and international law.”
“We cooperate with our partners: lessors, insurance companies, and aviation authorities. As soon as we have the opportunity to conduct an inspection and provide an assessment of the condition of the aircraft, we will make it public.”
Other SkyUp operations
The company has confirmed that it is continuing all operational activities, stating: “We keep our team and continue to fulfill our obligations under ACMI contracts and at the request of tour operators, as well as providing special flights.”
The airline’s fleet currently consists of 10 Boeing 737 aircraft. The company has stated that it is making every effort to ensure that the entire fleet is in use.
