Fri Oct 24 08:35:49 UTC 2025: Summary:

Khartoum International Airport has been targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the fourth consecutive day, throwing into doubt the government’s plans to reopen it after months of control by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Despite initial plans to resume operations, the airport remains closed. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Residents returning to Khartoum face devastated homes and a collapsing economy, making rebuilding almost impossible. While the government has pledged to rebuild, focus so far has been on state institutions.

News Article:

Khartoum Airport Targeted Again, Reopening Uncertain Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Khartoum, Sudan – Explosions rocked the vicinity of Khartoum International Airport for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, raising serious doubts about its planned reopening and highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed responsibility for the drone attacks, targeting the airport as the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) attempts to resume air traffic after regaining control of the capital.

Residents near the airport reported hearing drones and surface-to-air missiles in the early hours, followed by loud explosions. The extent of any damage to the airport is currently unclear.

The attacks began on Tuesday, just a day before the airport was initially scheduled to reopen after being closed for two years due to the conflict. A single Badr Airlines plane landed on Wednesday before airport official has announced that the reopening has been postponed “under further notice”.

“Despite authorities saying that operations are scheduled to start on October 26, there are concerns that this will not happen,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan from Khartoum.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into a deep humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have been killed, an estimated 12 million people have been displaced, and 30 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Residents who have returned to Khartoum after the SAF retook control in March face a city scarred by war. Many have found their homes destroyed, with collapsed ceilings and damaged walls. The collapse of the Sudanese pound, coupled with shortages of building materials, makes rebuilding efforts nearly impossible.

“I’m not working, I’m just sitting idly with my wife and two children. We sometimes barely have enough to eat. How can I even start to rebuild?” said Alfatih Bashir, a resident whose home was severely damaged.

While the government has pledged to rebuild Khartoum, initial efforts have focused on state institutions, leaving residents to struggle on their own. The future of the airport, and the broader recovery of the city, remains uncertain amidst the ongoing violence and economic hardship.

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