Khartoum Airport Awaiting Civil Aviation Decision to Resume International Flights

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shamam

The Director General of the Sudan Airports Company, Engineer Sir Al-Khatim Babiker, confirmed that Khartoum Airport is ready to receive international flights.

In an exclusive statement to Sudanhorizon, Babiker said that Khartoum Airport is “technically ready to receive international flights, based on the procedures we have completed.”

Regarding the timeline for the resumption of international flights to and from the airport, the Director General explained that setting the dates falls under the authority of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for determining when international flights will begin.

The day before yesterday (Friday), Sudanese Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris discussed with the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mohammed Abdullah, and the Director General of the Sudan Airports Company, Engineer Sir Al-Khatim Babiker, the readiness of Khartoum International Airport and regional airports, as well as the completion of all operational arrangements to receive domestic, regional, and international flights.

It is worth noting that international flights at Khartoum International Airport have been suspended since April 15, 2023, following the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia.

Last February, Khartoum Airport received its first domestic commercial flight via Sudan Airways. However, airport authorities have not yet announced any schedule for direct international flights between Khartoum and other capitals served by Sudanese airlines or foreign carriers.

An aviation expert, who spoke to Sudanhorizon on condition of anonymity, suggested that the delay may be linked to the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority not yet obtaining approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to resume international flights. This is partly due to concerns over the safety of civil aircraft amid the ongoing conflict, which has not yet fully subsided, leading insurance companies to refrain from covering flights at this time.

The Sudanhorizon reporter attempted to contact Sudanese civil aviation authorities to clarify the reasons behind the delay in resuming international flights from Khartoum Airport but received no response.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=12425