The World Food Program has called for lifting a ministerial order banning aircrafts manufactured 20 years ago from operating in South Sudan.

It says the decision by the Transport Ministry would impact on its humanitarian activities and services in terms of logistics.

Mid-last month, the Minister of Transport, John Luk Jok formed a committee to screen all aircrafts flying in and out of the country as part of implementing the ban.

Mr Luk told Eye Radio that aircrafts manufactured  more than 20 years ago were junk that are not allowed to operate in the countries of manufacture.

He said the government would never permit such aircrafts to enter South Sudan.

However, in a statement, the WFP says all it is following United Nations Aviation Safety Standards by ensuring that aircrafts are thoroughly checked for safety.

It says it is liaising with relevant government authorities to suspend only aircrafts that do not follow safety criteria.