The long-anticipated reopening of Sudan’s main airport in Khartoum has been postponed following drone attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, an airline source told Reuters.
Khartoum International Airport, located in the heart of the Sudanese capital, has been closed for more than two and a half years after sustaining heavy damage at the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The renewed attacks underscore ongoing security challenges despite government efforts to restore normalcy.
After recapturing Khartoum earlier this year, Sudan’s army-led government prioritized the airport’s renovation as a symbol of stability in areas under its control. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than one million people have since returned to the capital, following the departure of millions during the RSF’s occupation.
Badr Airlines had planned to operate the first domestic commercial flight on October 22, but the recent drone strikes exposed continued vulnerabilities. The RSF has repeatedly targeted military and civilian infrastructure with drones in army-controlled areas as it fights to consolidate power in Darfur.
The airline source said the inaugural flight has been delayed for at least several days as authorities monitor the situation. Earlier this week, Badr Airlines reported on Facebook that one of its planes had landed at the airport in what appeared to be a test run. Only domestic flights were scheduled initially.
In a statement released Tuesday night, RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo threatened to strike any airport—inside or outside Sudan—used to launch aircraft or drones supporting the army.
Khartoum airport also houses an air force base. Dagalo has previously accused Egypt of conducting airstrikes in support of the Sudanese army, allegations Cairo has denied.
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, inspected the airport on Tuesday following the latest attack, which the army claimed to have intercepted. Security sources reported that damage from both drone strikes was minimal.
Source:Africa Publicity
