Sudan’s war-torn capital sees second commercial flight land since conflict began

A commercial flight touched down at Khartoum International Airport on Sunday, marking only the second such landing since Sudan plunged into civil war nearly three years ago, according to state media reports.

The domestic SUDANAIR flight, operated by Sudan’s national carrier, arrived in the capital Sunday afternoon after departing from Port Sudan, a Red Sea city that had served as the government’s temporary headquarters until operations recently shifted back to Khartoum, the state-run SUNA news agency reported.

This rare flight represents a significant milestone in the Sudanese government’s ongoing efforts to restore normalcy to the war-ravaged capital. Khartoum has suffered extensive damage during the prolonged conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The first commercial flight to land in Khartoum since the war began occurred in October 2023, when privately owned Badr Airlines briefly resumed service to the capital. That attempt faced immediate resistance, with RSF forces launching drone attacks on the airport to derail the government’s reopening plans. The military had reclaimed control of Khartoum from RSF fighters earlier that year.

Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 following escalating tensions between the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. What began as a power struggle quickly deteriorated into open warfare across Khartoum and other regions. The airport suffered severe damage during the initial weeks of fighting, rendering it inoperable for commercial traffic.

The conflict has had catastrophic humanitarian consequences. According to United Nations estimates, more than 40,000 people have been killed, though humanitarian organizations warn this figure likely represents a significant undercount, with the actual death toll potentially many times higher.

The war has triggered what is now considered the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing over 14 million people—roughly a quarter of Sudan’s population—to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan, creating immense pressure on already strained regional resources.

Disease outbreaks have proliferated amid collapsed healthcare systems and limited access to clean water. Parts of Sudan now face famine conditions, with international aid organizations struggling to reach vulnerable populations due to security concerns and bureaucratic obstacles.

The resumption of limited flights into Khartoum comes as the military government attempts to project control and stability in the capital. However, analysts note that significant challenges remain before normal commercial air traffic can resume. The airport infrastructure requires substantial repairs, security concerns persist in parts of the city, and international carriers remain hesitant to resume operations given the volatile situation.

Sudan’s aviation sector, once connecting the country to destinations across Africa and the Middle East, has been decimated by the conflict. Before the war, Khartoum International Airport served as an important regional hub and vital economic lifeline for the country.

The government hopes that restoring air connectivity will help revitalize Sudan’s struggling economy and facilitate the return of international organizations and diplomatic missions that evacuated during the conflict. However, sustainable peace remains elusive as fighting continues in various parts of the country, particularly in the western Darfur region, where ethnic violence has intensified.

International mediators, including the United Nations, African Union, and various regional powers, continue to push for a lasting ceasefire and political settlement, but progress has been limited amid deep distrust between the warring parties.