Kenya Airways to resume flights to South Sudan’s capital city

By Jelimo Chelagat (@Jchelagat)

KENYA: Kenya Airways has announced plans to resume commercial flights to South Sudan’s capital city, Juba starting Thursday.

The national carrier had suspended flights to the region on 24th December following insecurity in Africa’s youngest State.

Fighting broke out in South Sudan following a clash between youth allied to former Vice President Riek Machar and government forces lead by President Salva Kiir. The conflict, which erupted more than two weeks ago, has seen at least 1,000 killed and more than 121,600 flee their homes according to security reports.

On December 21^st reports emerged that three American aircrafts were shot as they tried to evacuate US citizens who were trapped in the nation. This roused widespread concerns over air travel safety, and several airlines grounded their planes.

Kenya Airways partnered with the government to evacuate Kenyans who were stuck in South Sudan in the heat of the conflict. The airline operated two chartered flights daily from Juba to Nairobi, but the flights were not open for sale.

As the flights resume, KQ has announced that customers who have unutilized tickets can get a refund, and those who would like to alter their travel dates have been offered one free change.