Khartoum Airport Receives First Commercial Flight Since Sudan’s War Began

Chinedu Ugo 4 hours ago 2 min read

Here's a rephrased version: On Monday, June 9, 2025, workers prepare a Fogbow aid aircraft at Juba airport in South Sudan for food airdrop missions over the Upper Nile region/AP

On Wednesday, Khartoum International Airport received its first domestic passenger aircraft since the outbreak of conflict more than two years ago, signaling a possible step toward restoring regular air operations in Sudan’s capital.

According to Sudan’s media and culture ministry, a Badr Airlines aircraft traveling from Port Sudan successfully touched down at the airport.

Prior to this commercial flight, the facility had only accommodated aircraft transporting Sudanese military commander Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan on at least two occasions earlier this year.

The military gained control of the airport in March after seizing it from the opposing Rapid Support Forces paramilitary organization. The conflict erupted when tensions between the military and the RSF escalated into an armed power struggle.

While the military maintains control over the capital city, the RSF continues to occupy portions of the western Darfur region along with other territories.

According to the World Health Organisation, the conflict has claimed the lives of no fewer than 40,000 individuals and forced approximately 12 million people from their homes.

The United Nations reports that more than 24 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity.

On Tuesday morning, the RSF launched drone attacks targeting the airport, but military forces successfully intercepted them, an army statement confirmed.

Later that same Tuesday evening, RSF commander Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, commonly referred to as Hemedti, issued a warning in a video address that his forces would persist in attacking the airport.

“Any airplane that takes off from any neighbouring country, any airplane that is dropping supplies, bombing or killing, any drone that takes off from any airport, will be a legitimate target for us,” he said.

On Tuesday, ahead of the planned reopening, Burhan inspected the airport facilities and gave a speech committing to safeguard civilians from RSF attacks.

The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority announced this week that domestic air service would recommence on Wednesday following the completion of required operational and technical preparations, as reported by Sudan News Agency.

The number of airlines planning to operate at Khartoum airport remains uncertain. Sudanese government representatives were not immediately accessible for further information.

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