South Sudan closes airspace following Sudan unrest

By Parach Mach

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - South Sudan closed its air space on Friday following political unrest in neighboring Sudan that has led to the ouster of long-time leader Omar Hassan Al-Bashir.

Kur Kuol, director of Juba International Airport, confirmed to Anadolu agency that the restriction came after Sudan closed its airspace as precautionary measures.

"South Sudan lacks modern airspace control system and our airspace has been managed by Sudan since 2011," Kur said.

He said international commercial flights in and out of capital Juba have been suspended but domestic flights are operating as scheduled.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a two decades of bloody civil war.

The Sudanese army on Thursday announced the “removal” of al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since 1989, following months of popular protests against his rule.