Sudan: Khartoum International Airport (KRT) closed amid unrest January 14 /update 1

Event

Authorities announced on the afternoon (local time) of Tuesday, January 14, that operations at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) would be suspended until 20:00 on Tuesday evening amid ongoing unrest in Khartoum. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are expected over the coming hours.

Gunmen fired in the air near Riyadh Base and other buildings used by Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) on Tuesday. The gunmen were reportedly former NISS employees who were discontented with severance packages offered to them. The Sudanese army was deployed to intervene in the protests. Roadblocks and continuing unrest have been reported across Khartoum as of Tuesday evening.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, such as road closures, are to be expected in Khartoum over the coming hours. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible over the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Khartoum are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, including road closures, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.

Individuals traveling via KRT are advised to confirm flight reservations before departing for the airport and anticipate flight delays and cancelations.