First International Flight Lands at Khartoum Airport Since Start of War

Khartoum, April 28, 2026 - The first direct international commercial flight in three years has landed at Khartoum International Airport, marking a significant step toward restoring air connectivity to Sudan’s capital. The Kuwait Airways flight arrived on Tuesday carrying around 300 Sudanese citizens returning from Kuwait, in what officials described as a milestone in the gradual reopening of the country’s main aviation hub. Khartoum airport had been largely out of service since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, when fighting and attacks caused extensive damage to infrastructure, terminals, and aircraft. Airport authorities said the facility is now ready to resume international operations after meeting safety standards and securing the necessary clearances. Officials overseeing expatriate affairs said the flight reflects ongoing government efforts to facilitate the return of Sudanese nationals from abroad. They added that the move could pave the way for the resumption of regular routes between Khartoum and regional destinations, potentially supporting trade, including agricultural and livestock exports. Government representatives also highlighted the role of bilateral coordination in organizing the return, noting strengthened cooperation with partners involved in facilitating the operation. Local officials said the flight follows a broader trend of returns to the capital, including arrivals by land from neighboring countries, attributing the movement to gradual improvements in basic services and relative stability in parts of Khartoum. The reopening process has been gradual. Earlier this year, Sudan’s national carrier resumed limited domestic flights to the capital following rehabilitation work. However, the airport has faced setbacks, including damage from a drone strike that affected newly restored infrastructure. Since the start of the conflict, most international and regional air traffic has been redirected to Port Sudan, where aviation operations were relocated as Khartoum remained largely inaccessible.