In a landmark development signaling potential progress in Sudan’s protracted conflict, a commercial passenger aircraft successfully touched down at Khartoum International Airport on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This event marks the first such arrival since April 2023, when violent hostilities between the national army and rival paramilitary factions forced the complete suspension of commercial aviation operations.
The significant flight, operated by Sudan’s national carrier Sudan Airways, originated from Port Sudan, a Red Sea coastal city that has served as the country’s provisional administrative capital during the conflict. Sudanese aviation authorities confirmed the aircraft transported passengers upon its arrival in Khartoum, formally inaugurating the highly anticipated resumption of airport functionality after an extensive period of wartime closure.
This aviation milestone occurs amidst a complex and ongoing military situation. Recent reports indicate continued security challenges, including a drone strike targeting the airport’s vicinity just prior to its scheduled reopening, demonstrating the fragile and volatile conditions that persist. The decision to resume commercial flights follows meticulous assessments and represents a critical step toward reestablishing essential international connections and facilitating humanitarian and economic movement.
The resumption of air travel to the nation’s capital is interpreted by regional observers as a cautiously positive indicator, potentially reflecting negotiated security arrangements or localized de-escalation agreements between the warring parties. However, analysts emphasize that a single flight does not signify a comprehensive resolution to the broader conflict, which has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences and widespread displacement across the region.