(MENAFN) Khartoum International Airport welcomed its first civilian flight on Wednesday, marking the end of a 2.5-year shutdown, according to Sudanese authorities. The flight, operated by Badr Airlines, touched down at the airport moments before an official announcement confirmed the facility’s reopening.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the airport authority called the resumption of services “an important step toward the recovery of Sudan’s aviation sector and the gradual resumption of air traffic.” The development comes after the airport had been closed for 921 days, following the eruption of conflict between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

The reopening occurred just hours after Sudanese air defenses intercepted a drone attack by the RSF targeting the capital, Khartoum. This marked the second such assault within a 24-hour period, underscoring the ongoing security concerns surrounding the region.

The decision to resume flights was first announced on Monday evening by the Civil Aviation Authority, which confirmed the reopening for Wednesday. However, the renewed threat from drone strikes near the airport raised fresh questions about the safety of air operations.

Khartoum International Airport, a crucial aviation hub, has been effectively closed since the start of the military conflict. The fighting between Sudan’s army and RSF has led to over 20,000 deaths and the displacement of 14 million people, according to UN and local reports. However, recent research from US universities estimates the death toll may be as high as 130,000.

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