Khartoum International Airport is the principal airport in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The airport has been shut down since it was stormed and occupied on 15 April 2023 during the Battle of Khartoum.

History

The airport originated as the Royal Air Force airfield Gordon's Tree. By January 1940, No. 223 Squadron RAF was located at Gordon's Tree, in the south of Khartoum. Later the area became known as El Shajjara ("The Tree"). By January 1942, No. 71 Operational Training Unit (OTU) RAF was operating from the airfield; among aircraft operated were Curtiss Tomahawks and Vickers Wellesleys. Reportedly the OTU had at one stage 50 Harvards and 20 Hurricane fighters on strength. Sudanese independence was granted in January 1956. The last Royal Air Force flying unit reported at Khartoum was No. 8 Squadron RAF, which arrived in November 1953, and stayed until July 1956. The current airport is scheduled to be replaced by the New Khartoum International Airport in Omdourman 40 km south of the centre of Khartoum. This is planned to have two 4000 metre runways, a passenger terminal of 86,000 sqm and a 300-room international hotel. Construction is to be carried out by China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC). On 4 March 2021, the airport's ICAO code was changed from HSSS to HSSK. At the start of the Sudanese civil war (2023–present) on 15 April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked key installations in Khartoum, including Khartoum International Airport. The RSF reportedly fired on a Saudia airliner which was arriving at the airport, but no casualties were reported among the aircraft's passengers and crew. However, two civilians were killed in separate incidents in the airport. A total of 20 aircraft were believed to have been destroyed during the fighting. The RSF subsequently occupied the airport, which has been closed to aviation and has been subjected to attacks by the Sudanese Armed Forces during the Battle of Khartoum.

Airlines and destinations (suspended)

Passenger

Cargo

Khartoum Air Base

The airport hosts a major Sudanese Air Force Transport Squadron: Police Air Wing operates rotary aircraft from the base:

Accidents and incidents