Khartoum International Airport has resumed domestic flights for the first time since the outbreak of Sudan’s conflict in April 2023. The reopening on Wednesday marks a symbolic and practical step toward reconnecting the country after more than two years of isolation.
The first civilian aircraft, operated by Badr Airlines, arrived from Port Sudan, signaling the start of limited air services. The Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority said operations would gradually expand as security conditions improve.
The airport’s reopening had been delayed earlier in the week following drone attacks near the facility, highlighting the fragile situation in the capital.
Authorities and aid groups see the move as critical for speeding up humanitarian assistance to areas cut off by fighting. Air transport is expected to make it easier to deliver food and medical supplies to conflict-affected regions, especially where road access remains dangerous or blocked.
Khartoum’s return to limited air activity also carries regional importance. The capital has long served as a trade and transport hub linking Sudan with Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Analysts believe that even partial resumption of flights could help revive commerce and reconnect displaced families across the country.
Despite the optimism, risks remain high. The Rapid Support Forces still control large parts of Khartoum, and drone strikes have raised fears that the airport could once again become a target.
For now, the reopening stands as one of the few positive developments in Sudan’s ongoing crisis — a small but meaningful step toward normalcy after months of devastation.