Sudan extends airspace closure until June 30

DUBAI - Sudan's civil aviation authority has extended the closure of Sudanese airspace until June 30, Khartoum International Airport said on Thursday.

Humanitarian aid flights and evacuation flights that obtain permits are exempted.

The conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused a humanitarian crisis in Khartoum, as well as major cities in the Kordofan and Darfur regions.

The widening footprint of fighting threatens to prolong the violence and draw in armed groups - particularly those with tribal affiliations - as well as external actors.