South Supreme Airliner plane burst into flames after crash landing at Wau airport on 20 March 2017 (UNMISS Photo)

The Council of Ministers has directed the Ministry of Transport to inspect all aircraft and ground all those that do not meet airworthiness.

This comes after Transport Minister Madut Biar presented reports on two deadly plane crashes in the last three years.

One of the incidents that the government investigated is the South West aircraft that crashed in August 2020 – killing 9 people.

The other report was on the March 2021 incident in which a South Supreme Airline plane crashed in Pieri, Uror County killing 8 passengers and two crew members.

Transport Minister Madut said the government inquiry has found that the crashes were caused by irregularities related to the standards of the planes.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information Michael Makuei said South Sudan is becoming a dumping ground for ancient aircraft that have been abandoned in most parts of the world.

“It is worth mentioning that most of the planes which are operating in South Sudan are written off in most parts of the world. But people buy these junks and come and operate them here in South Sudan,” he told reporters on Friday.

Makuei said the Transport Ministry has been directed to check the airworthiness of all aircraft operating in the country.

“The cabinet took note of these irregularities and directed that the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with all the authorities should first check all the aircraft. All should be thoroughly checked on their airworthiness,” he said.

“So, it is directed that these planes should be thoroughly checked for their airworthiness. Any plane that is found not to be good should be grounded or let go if it is a foreign plane.”

Makuei further said the government will also penalize airlines that are operating without licenses and insurance.