Kenya Airways to resume flights to Juba after ceasefire

National carrier Kenya Airways will resume flights to South Sudan on Thursday, following a cease fire after five days of fighting.

The airline has announced it will send the higher capacity Boeing 737-800 plane to ferry the backlog of passengers who have been stuck in the country since war broke out on Friday last week.

KQ suspended its flights to the South Sudan capital of Juba on Sunday.

Fresh violence in South Sudan erupted on Friday as former rebels and government soldiers exchanged fire near Juba State House, leaving at least 150 fighters dead. The fighting broke out after rival groups failed to agree on a peace deal to end the 20 month civil war in the country.

Kenya Airways plans to clear the backlog of passengers by Friday, but will give priority to guests based on their original return dates.

“Kenya Airways regrets any inconvenience caused during the suspension of flights and wishes to thank its guests for continued support,” the airline said in a statement.

KQ operates two daily flights to Juba departing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 7:15 am and 1:20 pm.