Khartoum International Airport Set to Resume Operations in October 2025 After Major Renovations
After more than two years of closure due to the intense conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023, Khartoum International Airport is poised to reopen its doors in October 2025. This development marks a significant milestone in Sudan’s efforts to restore critical infrastructure and re-establish the capital’s role as a regional aviation hub. The announcement was made by Kamil Idriss, Prime Minister of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, signaling renewed hope for connectivity and economic revival.
The airport’s shutdown followed violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which led to severe damage to the airport’s facilities and a complete halt of commercial flights. Since then, the airport has remained closed, severely impacting Sudan’s air travel, trade, and humanitarian operations. However, recent reports from Sirr Al-Khatim Babiker, Director General of Sudan Airports Company Ltd., reveal that renovation works are now approximately 85% complete. These upgrades include extensive repairs to the runways, taxiways, power supply networks, and a large portion of the terminal buildings.
The timing of the airport’s reopening is closely linked to broader political and security developments in Sudan. Earlier in 2025, the Sudanese military regained control over Khartoum from the RSF, paving the way for the gradual return of national institutions to the capital. The resumption of airport operations is expected to coincide with this restoration of governmental functions, reinforcing Khartoum’s status as the country’s administrative and economic center.
For the African aviation sector, the reopening of Khartoum International Airport represents a critical step toward re-integrating Sudan into regional and international air networks. Prior to the conflict, the airport served as a vital hub connecting Sudan to major cities across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, with airlines such as Sudan Airways, Saudia, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways operating regular flights. The airport’s closure disrupted these connections, forcing airlines to reroute and complicating travel and trade for Sudan and its neighbors.
Restoring Khartoum International Airport will not only facilitate the return of commercial flights but also support humanitarian efforts, which have been hampered by the lack of a functional air gateway. The airport’s rehabilitation is expected to stimulate economic activity by enabling the movement of goods, services, and people, which is essential for Sudan’s post-conflict recovery and regional integration.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The airport’s reopening depends on sustained security improvements, completion of remaining renovation work, and the readiness of regulatory and operational frameworks to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. Airlines will also need to assess the situation carefully before resuming services, considering factors such as infrastructure reliability and passenger demand.
Looking ahead, the revival of Khartoum International Airport could serve as a beacon for other conflict-affected regions in Africa, demonstrating how strategic infrastructure restoration can underpin broader peacebuilding and economic development efforts. For the continent’s travel industry, this reopening offers renewed opportunities to reconnect markets, rebuild networks, and support the growth of intra-African travel and trade.
