Key Highlights
Planning a trip to Sudan? Here’s what you need to know about Khartoum International Airport (KRT). This guide covers its current operational status following the recent civil war and provides key details for future travel.
- Current Status: The airport is currently closed for commercial flights due to the Sudanese civil war.
- Control of the Airport: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control of the airport in March 2025 from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
- Conflict Impact: The Battle of Khartoum led to the airport’s closure in April 2023 and significant damage to the terminal and aircraft.
- Reopening Efforts: Reconstruction is underway, with a potential reopening for the current airport projected for October.
- Future Plans: A New Khartoum International Airport is under construction 40 km south of Khartoum.
Understanding Khartoum International Airport’s Current Status
Currently, Khartoum International Airport is not open for commercial flights. The airport was a central site in the Battle of Khartoum, a major conflict in the Sudanese civil war that erupted in April 2023. As a result of the intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), all civilian flight operations were suspended.
For nearly two years, the airport was under the control of the RSF. However, in March 2025, the Sudanese army successfully recaptured the facility. Now, efforts are underway to repair the extensive damage and restore operations. The following sections will provide more detail on the conflict’s impact and the ongoing safety situation.
Impact of Recent Conflicts on Airport Operations
The civil war has had a devastating effect on Khartoum International Airport. The conflict began on April 15, 2023, when RSF forces launched attacks on key sites in the capital, including the airport and the presidential palace. During the initial takeover, RSF forces occupied the airport, leading to its immediate closure and the suspension of all flights.
The fighting caused significant destruction. Satellite imagery revealed that at least 20 civilian aircraft were damaged or destroyed on the tarmac during the Battle of Khartoum. This damage, combined with firefights and explosions at the airport, rendered the facility completely inoperable for civilian travel and humanitarian aid flights. The closure forced many to make long overland journeys to Port Sudan for evacuation.
As for the latest news, there is hope on the horizon. After the Sudanese Armed Forces recaptured the airport, reconstruction efforts began. According to an Africanews report, officials are inspecting the progress, and a new runway has been completed. While terminals and basic services still need repair, there is an expectation that the airport could reopen as early as October, allowing flights to return to Sudan’s capital. Source: Africanews
Safety and Security Updates for Travelers
Your safety is the top priority. Given the recent conflict, it’s crucial to understand the security situation at Khartoum International Airport. The airport remains closed to all civilian aircraft, and Sudan’s airspace was shut down by the government of Sudan shortly after the conflict began. This measure was necessary to prevent further incidents involving commercial planes.
Until the airport is officially reopened and declared safe by Sudanese authorities and international bodies, it does not meet the safety and international standards required for passenger travel. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces created an extremely volatile environment.
Key safety points to remember include:
- The airport is in a post-conflict recovery phase.
- Sudan’s airspace is restricted for commercial flights.
- Always check official government travel advisories for the latest updates on safety in Sudan before planning any travel.
Key Facts About Khartoum International Airport
Before the conflict, Khartoum International Airport (KRT) was the primary gateway to Sudan. Located in the capital city, it served as a joint civil and military airport, hosting a major Sudanese Air Force transport squadron alongside its passenger terminal. The airport was a hub for several airlines, including Sudan Airways and Badr Airlines, connecting the Sudanese people to destinations across Africa and the Middle East, such as Riyadh and Cairo.
The airport featured a single asphalt runway and served over 3.5 million passengers in 2017. While it is currently closed, understanding its core details is useful for when operations resume. Let’s look at its specific codes, location, and the airlines that once flew from its gates.
IATA and ICAO Codes, Location, and Facilities
Every international airport has unique identifiers used for air traffic control and flight scheduling. For Khartoum International Airport, the IATA code is KRT, and the ICAO code is HSSK. It’s worth noting that its ICAO code was changed from HSSS to HSSK on March 4, 2021. These codes are essential for booking flights and tracking airport operations once they resume.
The airport is conveniently located within the city of Khartoum, making it easily accessible. Its facilities include a single passenger terminal and one main runway. Before the conflict, this infrastructure supported millions of travelers annually. The table below summarizes these key details for your reference.
| Identifier/Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | KRT |
| ICAO Code | HSSK |
| Location | Khartoum, Sudan |
| Airport Type | Civil and Military (Joint) |
| Runways | 1 (Asphalt, 2,980 meters) |
| Elevation | 1,265 ft / 386 m |
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Tracking Options
Before its closure, Khartoum International Airport was a bustling hub connecting Sudan to the world. A wide range of airlines operated flights from the airport, offering both passenger and cargo services. Major carriers provided routes to key destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Unfortunately, with the suspension of all civilian aircraft operations, none of these airlines currently fly to KRT.
Once the airport reopens, you can expect many of these carriers to resume their services. Some of the prominent airlines that previously operated from Khartoum include:
- Saudia (to Jeddah, Riyadh)
- Turkish Airlines (to Istanbul)
- Egyptair (to Cairo)
- Ethiopian Airlines (to Addis Ababa)
- Emirates (to Dubai)
Regarding flight tracking, live departure and arrival boards are unavailable since the airport is not operational. When flights resume, you will be able to track them through the official airport website or popular flight tracking services. For now, it’s best to monitor official news for updates on the airport’s reopening.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Khartoum International Airport expected to reopen for commercial flights?
While there is no official, confirmed date for the airport reopening, reports suggest that reconstruction is progressing. Officials are hopeful that the current airport in Khartoum could resume operations for commercial flights as early as October, following repairs to the terminal and essential services. Source: Africanews
Who currently controls Khartoum International Airport?
As of March 2025, Khartoum International Airport is under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The S army recaptured the airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who had occupied it since the conflict began in April 2023. Source: Wikipedia
Is there a new Khartoum International Airport project planned or under construction?
Yes, a project for a New Khartoum International Airport is underway. The construction of the new airport is taking place in Omdourman, about 40 kilometers south of central Khartoum. This new international airport is planned to feature two modern runways and a much larger passenger terminal.