Sudan has reopened Khartoum International Airport to commercial passenger flights after nearly three years of closure caused by the country’s protracted conflict, officials said on Monday.
The first flight since the suspension landed on Sunday, operated by Sudan Airways from Port Sudan, the country’s eastern coastal city that remained largely untouched by fighting during the war. The move marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to re-establish services in the capital and facilitate the return of displaced populations.
The airport, which was Sudan’s main aviation hub before the war, handled up to 3.5 million passengers in 2017, according to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). During the conflict, operations were suspended entirely, forcing the army-backed government to temporarily relocate to Port Sudan.
“Reopening the airport is a milestone in restoring normalcy to Khartoum and reviving domestic transport links that were severely disrupted,” said an official from the Ministry of Transport, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This also supports the gradual return of citizens who were displaced during the fighting.”
Rehabilitation Efforts Underway
Authorities said that significant rehabilitation work was carried out to repair airport facilities and equipment damaged during the conflict. These efforts included restoring runways, air traffic control systems, and passenger terminals to meet basic operational standards.
While domestic flights have resumed, officials have not provided a timeline for the resumption of international services. “International flights will return in due course, but priority is being given to ensuring domestic connectivity and safety standards,” said a Sudan Airways representative.
The reopening coincides with broader initiatives aimed at re-establishing mobility and trade. Last month, Sudan resumed river transport links with Egypt, a move intended to aid the return of Sudanese who had fled abroad during the conflict. The government is also working to repair road networks and reinstate public services in the capital and other conflict-affected areas.
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Impact on Displaced Populations
The prolonged suspension of Khartoum International Airport had compounded the hardships faced by millions of Sudanese. Domestic travel and cargo transport were severely disrupted, affecting business, humanitarian aid delivery, and the movement of citizens within the country.
Experts say the reopening is likely to ease travel for returning residents, improve logistical efficiency, and support economic recovery in Khartoum and surrounding regions. “Air transport is critical for reconnecting Sudan internally and with the rest of the region,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Transport.
Regional and Economic Implications
Before the war, Khartoum International Airport not only handled domestic traffic but also served as Sudan’s principal gateway for international flights. Its closure forced travelers to reroute through alternative regional hubs, creating economic and logistical bottlenecks. The resumption of flights is expected to gradually restore Sudan’s connectivity with neighboring countries and facilitate trade and investment.
The reopening also has symbolic significance for Sudan’s army-backed government, which returned to Khartoum after three years of operating from Port Sudan. It reflects efforts to reassert authority in the capital and signal a return to stability after years of internal turmoil.
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Looking Ahead
Authorities stress that the reopening is just the first step in a phased resumption of air travel. Sudan Airways and the Ministry of Transport are working to gradually scale operations, improve safety standards, and restore international services. Officials have emphasized that the safety of passengers and aircrew remains a top priority amid ongoing rehabilitation work.
As Sudan rebuilds its transport infrastructure, the reopening of Khartoum International Airport is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the return of displaced populations, restoring domestic mobility, and laying the groundwork for eventual reintegration into the regional and global aviation network.
