First Domestic Flight Lands in Khartoum Since Outbreak of War
A domestic passenger flight touched down at Khartoum International Airport in Sudan's capital, marking a potential easing of restrictions on air travel.
Cairo: A significant event occurred on Wednesday with the landing of a domestic passenger flight at Khartoum International Airport in Sudan's capital.
This flight from Port Sudan marks the first such arrival since the conflict began over two years ago, signaling a possible reopening of air traffic.
The Sudanese media and culture ministry confirmed this development.The airport had previously welcomed flights carrying General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the head of Sudan's military, on at least two occasions this year.
Notably, in March, the army successfully secured control of the airport from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
This transition came amidst a broader power struggle between the military and the RSF, which escalated into open conflict.
The war has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately 12 million people according to the World Health Organization.
Additionally, over 24 million individuals face acute food insecurity as reported by the United Nations.On Tuesday morning, the RSF launched drone attacks against the airport, but these were successfully intercepted by the military, as per an official statement.
Later that evening, RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa (commonly known as Hemedti) issued a video message threatening to continue targeting the airport.
He explicitly stated that any aircraft taking off from neighboring countries or engaging in activities such as supplying, bombing, or killing would be considered legitimate targets.General Burhan toured the airport on Tuesday prior to its reopening and delivered a speech reaffirming his commitment to safeguard citizens from RSF aggression.
The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority announced this week that domestic flights were set to resume on Wednesday after completing necessary operational and technical procedures, according to the Sudan News Agency.The exact number of airlines expected to utilize Khartoum airport remains uncertain.
As of now, Sudanese officials have not provided any additional comments regarding these developments.
This flight from Port Sudan marks the first such arrival since the conflict began over two years ago, signaling a possible reopening of air traffic.
The Sudanese media and culture ministry confirmed this development.The airport had previously welcomed flights carrying General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the head of Sudan's military, on at least two occasions this year.
Notably, in March, the army successfully secured control of the airport from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
This transition came amidst a broader power struggle between the military and the RSF, which escalated into open conflict.
The war has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately 12 million people according to the World Health Organization.
Additionally, over 24 million individuals face acute food insecurity as reported by the United Nations.On Tuesday morning, the RSF launched drone attacks against the airport, but these were successfully intercepted by the military, as per an official statement.
Later that evening, RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa (commonly known as Hemedti) issued a video message threatening to continue targeting the airport.
He explicitly stated that any aircraft taking off from neighboring countries or engaging in activities such as supplying, bombing, or killing would be considered legitimate targets.General Burhan toured the airport on Tuesday prior to its reopening and delivered a speech reaffirming his commitment to safeguard citizens from RSF aggression.
The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority announced this week that domestic flights were set to resume on Wednesday after completing necessary operational and technical procedures, according to the Sudan News Agency.The exact number of airlines expected to utilize Khartoum airport remains uncertain.
As of now, Sudanese officials have not provided any additional comments regarding these developments.
