President Kiir Inaugurates South Sudan’s First National Airspace Management System

Sudanhorizon – Agencies

South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Monday inaugurated the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, in a move described as a historic transformation that enables the country to manage its airspace independently for the first time since independence.
The new system is operated from the modern control tower at Juba International Airport, allowing South Sudan to fully and independently monitor and regulate air traffic within its airspace.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Kiir emphasized that the project represents a significant national achievement that strengthens the country’s sovereignty and develops the civil aviation sector, saying:
“This is a proud moment for all the people of South Sudan, as we have finally regained full control of our airspace.”
Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, Sudan had managed its southern neighbor’s airspace, continuing the arrangements from when the two countries were one.
Officials explained that Juba’s new system includes six advanced radars, three primary and three secondary, making it one of the most sophisticated air traffic management systems in Africa, with extensive radar coverage extending beyond several countries in the region, including Kenya.
More than 80 South Sudanese personnel have been trained by Chinese experts to operate and manage the system.
The African Civil Aviation Commission (ACAC) considers the project a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety, air traffic coordination, and supporting air transport at both the regional and continental levels.
The official launch of the new system ends South Sudan’s reliance on Sudan for airspace management and grants the country full autonomy in overseeing air traffic and collecting overflight fees independently.

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