Etihad Airways has become the third airline from the UAE to suspend flights to Sudan amid a rise in political unrest in the country. The announcement by the national carrier came following growing concerns over safety in the city of Khartoum. Emirates and flydubai have already suspended flights to Sudan. Campaigners have called on citizens to take part in acts of civil disobedience in a bid to pressure the military to give up power. Demonstrators in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum were met with riot police and tear gas on Sunday, a week after dozens were killed when government-linked militias cleared a protest camp. The UAE has expressed "great concern' over the ongoing violence between the Sudanese military and protesters, which have cost more than 100 lives. "The UAE hopes that wisdom, voice of reason and constructive dialogue would prevail between all Sudanese parties, in a way that guarantees security and stability of Sudan, helps spare its people the scourge of evil, safeguard its gains and ensure its unity," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement last week. Etihad Airways said the safety of its passengers was paramount. "The safety of guests and airline staff is the highest priority for Etihad Airways, and we continue to monitor the situation closely,” the airline said in a statement. “Our guest response team is working to support affected guests. For further information, please call the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666, or check the status of your flight on our website at etihad.com, or through our mobile app.”
