Khartoum International Airport Welcomes First Commercial Flight in Nearly Three Years

 Sudan Airways Returns to KRT

In a landmark moment for Sudan’s recovery, Khartoum International Airport (KRT) officially resumed commercial operations on Sunday, February 1, receiving its first scheduled passenger flight since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.

A Sudan Airways (Sudanair) flight arriving from the temporary administrative capital of Port Sudan touched down on the newly rehabilitated runway, carrying 160 passengers, including government officials and returning civilians. The landing marks a significant symbolic and logistical step in the nation’s efforts to return to normalcy after nearly three years of war.  

Key Details of the Reopening:

• First Flight: The inaugural flight was operated by the national carrier, Sudan Airways.  

• Route: Port Sudan (PZU) to Khartoum (KRT).  

• Capacity: Aviation officials report the airport can currently handle up to four aircraft simultaneously, with operations initially limited to domestic flights.  

• Fares: To encourage travel, tickets were offered at promotional rates of approximately 200,000 Sudanese pounds (roughly $50 USD).  

“A Return of Spirit”

Scenes of emotion greeted the aircraft as it taxied to the terminal. Passengers, some of whom had been displaced for years, were met by family members and airport staff.

“This flight reflects a return of spirit to the capital,” Sudan Airways stated in a press release. “It is a commitment to our national role in reconnecting Sudanese cities and easing the travel burdens our citizens have faced.”  

The resumption of flights follows the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regaining control of the airport in early 2025. Since then, the facility has undergone extensive repairs to fix runways and terminals heavily damaged during the initial battles with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).  

Security and Future Plans

While Sunday’s flight is a major milestone, authorities are proceeding with caution.

• Current Status: The airport is open primarily for domestic travel to reconnect the capital with safer regions in the east and north.  

• International Travel: The Sudan Airports Company has stated that regional and international flights will resume gradually as technical and administrative preparations are finalized.  

• Safety: Security remains tight. The reopening had been delayed previously due to drone attacks in late 2025, but officials now assert that new security measures are in place to protect civil aviation.  

The reopening coincides with the government’s broader initiative to relocate state functions back to Khartoum from Port Sudan, signaling a potential shift in the country’s stability.