Category: Regional Development
Khartoum International Airport Resumes Domestic Flights
On Wed, Oct 22, 2025, Khartoum International Airport recommenced handling domestic flights after over two years of closure. This development is significant for Sudan and the broader region.
Operational Resumption
The Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority announced a phased reopening of the airport for domestic services. A Badr Airlines flight from Port Sudan was the first civilian plane to land since the conflict began in April 2023.
Operations were momentarily delayed due to drone strikes around the airport, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
Impacts on Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian convoys, including those operated by UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), have faced difficulties reaching central and western Sudan due to conflicts affecting major roads. Resumed air access is expected to enhance the delivery of aid to regions where ground routes remain compromised.
Airports facilitate the transport of large consignments of supplies and the evacuation of the wounded or sick, tasks often hindered by land route disruptions.
Trade and Market Connections
Khartoum serves as a transport hub in the Horn and northeast Africa. The restoration of domestic air links is anticipated to streamline supply chains, reduce transit times, and facilitate business coordination with Sudan’s neighboring countries.
Effects on Displacement and Refugees
The prolonged conflict has displaced many individuals. Reopening the airport for domestic travel may assist displaced persons in returning to family or accessing services in the capital. This change may also influence the focus of aid agency resources.
The airport’s reopening could affect movement patterns and pressure points in neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt.
Political and International Considerations
The airport’s reopening occurs amid ongoing conflicts between the Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has implications for foreign governments and regional blocs regarding their engagement and aid strategies in Sudan.
Recent drone strikes and threats from RSF leadership highlight the risks associated with rapid normalization efforts.
Security Concerns
Security threats, such as drone attacks, continue to pose risks to the airport and flights, potentially discouraging airlines, aid groups, and foreign governments from accelerating operations.
Conclusion
The reopening of Khartoum International Airport offers practical benefits, including reduced delivery times for aid, medical evacuation options, and improved market connectivity. These developments are particularly relevant for neighboring countries dependent on cross-border logistics and hosting Sudanese refugees.
The long-term success of these efforts will depend on maintaining security and ensuring flights can operate safely.
