Sudan: Flight operations to resume at Khartoum International Airport Oct. 27 /update 7

Event

Civil aviation authorities announced that all inbound and outbound flights will resume at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) from 16:00 Oct. 27. All flight operations were initially suspended amid recent civil unrest. Civil society groups have called for protests and acts of civil disobedience to denounce the coup d'etat which ousted Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok Oct. 25 and to demand a return to civilian rule.

The US Embassy in Sudan issued a security alert Oct. 26, noting that no commercial flights had left the country since the Oct. 25 coup d'etat and that US nationals should shelter in place. The British and French governments have updated their travel advice for Sudan, recommending against all nonessential travel to the country.

Activists have called for additional demonstrations and roadblocks over the coming days across Sudan, including marches and protests on major thoroughfares and in front of government buildings, leading up to a "march of millions" Oct. 30.

Lingering commercial flight disruptions are possible at KRT over the short term as authorities clear the backlog of flights; additional flight suspensions cannot be ruled out. The government will almost certainly maintain heightened police and military presence across the country over the coming days, especially at likely protest sites and other sensitive locations. Transport and business disruptions are likely during any further demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible at all related gatherings. Officials may implement further restrictive measures over the short term, including road closures, random searches, restrictions on telecommunications, border controls, and curfews.

Context

Sudanese forces under the direction of Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan staged a coup d'etat Oct. 25, with Burhan declaring a nationwide state of emergency and the dissolution of the transitional Sovereign Council. Security forces clashed with anti-coup protesters Oct. 25, resulting in at least seven people killed and 140 others wounded.

Burhan has added that the military will form a nonpartisan administration that will remain in power until elections are held to elect a civilian government in July 2023. The military also announced Oct. 26 that trade unions and professional associations had been dissolved.

Advice

If operating in Sudan, exercise extreme caution. Those outside of Sudan should consider deferring travel to the country. Monitor local media and maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Plan for lingering travel delays. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Avoid all protests. Carry identification to facilitate passage through checkpoints.