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Airports

Sudan Reopens Khartoum International Airport for Domestic Flights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sudan has resumed domestic air operations from Khartoum International Airport after a nearly two and a half year suspension, following a series of drone attacks targeting the facility. The airport, a major hub in central Khartoum, was damaged during the early phases of the conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite the recent attacks, authorities have worked to rehabilitate the airport, and the resumption of domestic flights is seen as a crucial step in the recovery of Sudan's aviation sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The airport had been closed for nearly two and a half years, with the last domestic flight departing in April 2023.
  • The facility was heavily damaged during the early phases of the conflict and sustained further damage in recent drone attacks.
  • Authorities have worked to rehabilitate the airport, with the support of international partners.
  • The resumption of domestic flights is expected to pave the way for the gradual return of air traffic in the coming period.
  • The airport remains under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
  • The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible for the recent drone attacks on the airport.
  • The RSF also claimed responsibility for the targeted strike on the General Command in Khartoum, which neutralized a number of officers.

Statistics:

  • 2.5 years: The length of time the airport was closed for domestic flights.
  • 10,000+ lives claimed: The estimated number of lives lost in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF.
  • 1 million+: The number of people displaced by the conflict.
  • 2023-04-15: The date when the conflict between the SAF and the RSF erupted.
  • 2023-05 (approximate): The month when the army regained full control of Khartoum State.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency via COMTEX
  • Sudan's Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism
  • Khartoum International Airport's official Facebook page
  • Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
  • Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)

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