Sudan’s Khartoum Airport Has Formally Reopened After Over Two Years Of Civil War
Restoring Khartoum International Airport's services marks a pivotal step in Khartoum's recovery.
Khartoum International Airport, Sudan’s main aviation hub, has formally reopened and received its first scheduled commercial flight after more than two years of civil war.
Since 2023, Sudan has been in a civil war due to a power struggle between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
After the civil war erupted, the RSF had taken control of nearly all of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, a vital transport hub for trade and commerce in Sudan.
But in March 2025, the Sudanese military announced it regained full control of Khartoum in a major win.
In October 2025, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the airport would gradually reopen for domestic services.
However, the airport has come under repeated attacks, including an RSF drone assault in October that Sudanese officials said was intercepted.
Since then, it had only received one flight from Badr Airline, which was not pre-announced, according to Al Jazeera.
On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, the airport finally received its first scheduled commercial flight from Port Sudan city, signaling the return of services.
It will now handle limited domestic flights, with up to four flights scheduled daily.
Sudan Airways said in a statement that Sunday’s flight tickets were at discounted prices starting at US$50 in a step reflecting “the revival of our spirit and the continued connection between the people of our nation.”
Restoring Khartoum International Airport's services marks a pivotal step in Khartoum's recovery.
Flights will enable faster delivery of aid, medical supplies, and personnel to conflict-affected areas.
Since the war began, estimates say up to 150,000 people have been killed, including thousands of children.
More than 12 million people have had to flee their homes, and over half of the population – about 26 million people – are at risk of famine, according to the UN.
The RSF and the Sudanese army have also both been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Kassy Cho
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
