Sudan Restarts Scheduled Flights to Khartoum, Signaling Progress Amid Aviation Challenges

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Sudan officially resumed scheduled passenger flights to its capital, Khartoum, marking the end of a three-year suspension. The milestone was celebrated with Sudan Airways operating the first regular service since the airport’s closure in April 2023, using an Airbus A320 aircraft. This resumption is a cautious but significant step toward rebuilding the country’s domestic connectivity and reviving its aviation sector.

Sudan’s aviation infrastructure has endured extensive strain due to ongoing conflict and political instability, which led to the prolonged suspension of regular flights. The reopening of Khartoum International Airport for scheduled services reflects both a desire to restore essential transport links and the challenges that remain. Current fleet capacity remains limited, and the fragile state of airport facilities underscores the need for continued investment and rehabilitation.

This development is expected to facilitate improved movement of people and goods within Sudan, supporting economic recovery and regional integration efforts. However, industry observers caution that the path ahead will require sustained efforts to stabilize security conditions, upgrade infrastructure, and expand operational capabilities.

For airlines and stakeholders in the broader East African and sub-Saharan aviation markets, Sudan’s gradual reopening offers new opportunities for collaboration and connectivity, albeit within a complex and evolving environment. The resumption of flights to Khartoum will be closely watched as a bellwether for further normalization and growth in the region’s air travel sector.