UK Pulls Off Massive Sudan Evacuation: Over 2,100 Rescued!
The UK government has smashed evacuation records from Sudan, airlifting a staggering 2,197 people to safety. This marks the longest and largest Western evacuation during the ongoing Sudan crisis.
New Flights from Port Sudan as Wadi Saeedna Airfield Closes
- Extra evacuation flights kicked off from Port Sudan on Monday, May 1.
- These follow the closure of UK evacuation flights from Wadi Saeedna airfield near Khartoum on Saturday night (April 29).
- A UK team is now on the ground at Port Sudan to help British nationals and others travel out via commercial routes.
Evacuations include British nationals, Sudanese doctors working in the NHS, and citizens from over 20 nations including the US, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
Military & Diplomatic Push for Peace Continues
Royal Navy ship HMS Lancaster is backing up evacuation efforts, stationed off Port Sudan.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff and military, the UK has brought 2,197 people to safety – the largest airlift by any Western nation. As focus shifts to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, we will press for a ceasefire and an immediate end to violence.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added: “Our Armed Forces flew over 20 flights in one week, deploying more than 1,000 personnel, evacuating over 2,000 civilians from more than 20 countries. HMS Lancaster will stay in Port Sudan to provide ongoing support.”
UK Leads Diplomacy and Humanitarian Aid in Sudan Crisis
- International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell met Kenyan President William Ruto and African Union Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat in Nairobi over the weekend to push peace talks.
- The UK Ambassador to Sudan relocated to Addis Ababa on April 27 to coordinate regional diplomatic efforts from Ethiopia.
- The UK is exploring humanitarian aid options with the UN and NGOs, having donated over £250 million in Sudan aid over five years.
- Consular support remains active for British nationals in Port Sudan and nearby countries.
The government stresses the situation is still volatile. Brits in Sudan are urged to follow official travel advice. Evacuation efforts could change at a moment’s notice.
