Sudan: Airport workers plan nationwide strike beginning May 8

Event

Unionized aviation workers in Sudan plan to stage a strike at airports nationwide on May 8. The purpose of the work stoppage is to demand a number of reforms in the civil aviation sector, including the restructuring of the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). Union leaders have indicated that the labor action could be extended beyond May 8 and continue until the government meets workers' demands.

Unless averted, the strike will likely prompt flight disruptions throughout the country, including at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) and Port Sudan International Airport (PZU). Delays may persist well after the strike ends as airlines clear the backlog. Although labor leaders have announced no specific plans to do so, striking workers could stage demonstrations and pickets near the airports or SCAA offices. Security forces will almost certainly deploy to any protest that materializes. Clashes are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore security force orders to disperse.

Advice

Reconfirm all flights before departure; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Heed the directives of the security forces.