A first commercial passenger flight has landed at Khartoum International Airport after nearly three years of suspension caused by the war in Sudan.
The flight, operated by Sudan Airways, arrived on Sunday, February 1, from Port Sudan, the eastern coastal city that largely escaped heavy fighting during the conflict. The landing marks a significant step toward restoring normal economic and transport activities in the country’s capital.
The reopening follows the return of the army-backed government to Khartoum after operating from Port Sudan for about three years. Authorities said rehabilitation works are ongoing to repair airport facilities and equipment damaged during the conflict, paving the way for the gradual resumption of air traffic.
Officials noted that the reopening of the airport is part of wider efforts to support the return of displaced populations. These initiatives include the recent resumption of river transport links between Sudan and Egypt, which hosted a large number of Sudanese who fled the fighting.
Before the outbreak of the war, Khartoum International Airport served as Sudan’s main aviation hub, handling both domestic and international flights. According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the airport processed up to 3.5 million passengers in 2017.
While domestic flights have now resumed, authorities have yet to announce when international air services will restart.
