Top 10 Airports In Sudan: Know With This Traveller’s Guide

The modern republic of Sudan was founded in as early as 1956 with boundaries tracing back to the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan of 1899. The rich history, diverse wildlife, and flourishing cultural heritage make Sudan a place of global interest. Airports in Sudan are a testimony to its sprawling acres of land encompassing remote deserts, wildlife, rugged mountains, rivers, and tributaries. With robust air connectivity, accessing the remotest fringes of Sudan is easy and cost-effective. This allures tourists, researchers, wildlife enthusiasts and business conglomerates.

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Top 10 Airports In Sudan

Here is a detailed list of airports in Sudan that serve as key gateways for air traffic, smoothening passenger and cargo transport:

1. Khartoum International Airport

A white plane with blue windows waits on the runway, and at the back are large sheets of glass erected at one of the airports in Sudan.

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Khartoum International Airport was initially the Royal Air Force airfield Gordon’s Tree and was constructed in 1947. The airport features a single asphalt runway and is the premier hub for Sudan Airways. While the airport has limited cargo facilities, it experiences heavy passenger traffic at scheduled slots of the day. The peak hours are late evening and early morning. During this time, the airport has increased passenger hustle. It is one of the airports in Sudan that serves as the crucial gateway to the country, indispensable to the region’s economic growth.

Nearby Attractions: Sudan National Museum, Nile Street, Meroe Pyramids

2. Port Sudan New International Airport

A hangar with many aircraft lined up in rows on both sides and cars are parked below at one of the airports in Sudan.

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PZU is located about 12 miles south of Port Sudan, owned by the Government of Sudan. Its functionalities are managed by Sudan Airports Holding. The airport has a single runway of asphalt and multiple terminals. In terms of traffic and connectivity to international destinations, it is the second-largest international airport in Sudan. Prominent airlines, including Egyptair, Badr Airlines, and Sudan Airways, are connected with PZU. The airport is also necessary for managing Sudanese airspace and promoting international trade and logistics. Additionally, the airport is close to the Red Sea region, a vital maritime window on a global level and significant for facilitating oil exports.

Nearby Attractions: Sanganeb National Park, Suakin Island, The Red Sea

3. El Fasher Airport

An aeroplane waiting on the runway with green fields stretching in the backdrop at one of the airports in Sudan.

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ELF is at El Fasher, North Darfur of Sudan. It has two runways of asphalt and gravel surface. Badr Airlines, Nova Airways, and Sudan Airways are operational here. ELF is one of the airports in Sudan that manages retail aviation with limited capacity for commercial flights and occasional charter flights. Landing permits are required for certain flight types. ELF is a crucial aviation hub for civilians. It has been used by the UN peacekeeping agency UNAMID. Among the other modern facilities and resources, passengers can avail the comfort of VIP lounges, in – flight Wi-Fi, rental car services and VIP terminal services.

Nearby Attractions: Darfur Museum, Jebel Marra Mountain, Wadi Hower National Park

4. El Obeid Airport

An aeroplane parked on the runway as green stretches of roads are visible in the distance at one of the airports in Sudan.

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EBD serves El Obeidm, the capital of North Kordofan. El Obeid is located at a crucial juncture– it connects Khartoum with the western area of Darfur and southern pockets of Sudan. Therefore, for humanitarian operations, ESB is a vital corridor. Essential supplies, such as food and medicines, are sent to El Obeid via this airport. Besides, without EBD, El Obeid could not have grown into a key military hub of North Kordofan like it has today. The airport also has a Sudanese Air Force Helicopter Squadron, which enhances its global dominance.

Nearby Attractions: El Obeid’s Catholic Cathedral, North Kordofan

5. Geneina Airport

Airplane standing for tourists for easy commute inside an airport.

Photo: Melting Tarmac Images / Wikimedia Commons

The airport is located at Geneina at an elevation of 2,650 ft. It has a single-paved runway with Sudan Airways, Tarco Airlines, and Badr Airlines operational here. Inside the premises of one of the terminals is the office of The World Food Programme (WFP). Geneina Airport has no international flights as of now and primarily connects to domestic destinations. It is a highly-frequented route to reach Khartoum International Airport, an internal airport in Sudan. In a way, it smoothens connectivity for passengers. UNAMID is also operational in the airport terminal. Presently, ATMs, banks, luggage wrapping, children’s play areas, mobile charging stations and pet-friendly services are available here.

Nearby Attractions: West Darfur, Old Dongola

6. Nyala Airport

An aeroplane takes off, and blue silhouettes of hills and green forests appear in the distance.

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Nyala Airport is a civil airport located in South Darfur of Sudan and has a single asphalt runway. The airport is at an elevation of 2,095 feet. It has two terminals, one reserved for UNAMID. Two Sudanese Air Force units are operational here. The airport is operational primarily during the daytime for the sake of security and infrastructure. Badr Airlines, Nova Airways, and Sudan Airways are mostly operational here. Today, the airport serves as a key destination for Rapid Support Forces that emphasises the need for humanitarian efforts.

Nearby Attractions: Narimada Hilltop

7. Kassala Airport

A departure hall of an airport with a man walking while holding a phone to his ear.

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The airport serves Kassala, a major agrarian and trading hub near the Eritrean border. Badr Airlines and Tarco Aviation are the two primary airlines operating at KSL. The airport is at an elevation of 1,671 feet, with operational flights here. Kassala Airport requires landing permits for certain types of flights. The airport has a Category 4 fire category, which also hints at the potential to handle larger aircraft. Seasonal charter flights are available, albeit not consistently.

Nearby Attractions: Khatmiyah Mosque, Taka Mountain

8. Dongola Airport

An empty runway stretching into the distance, lined by green and yellow fields on both sides.

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Dongola is the Northern State of Sudan, and the airport is located approximately 240 meters above mean sea level. Its single asphalt runway is designated to be 17/35, and mostly private and charter flights are connected to this airport. As of now, Dongola Airport has no scheduled commercial flights. Among other airports in Sudan, DOG also facilitates regional communication and transportation. Dongola, being a thriving agricultural centre, profits from this aviation hub. The airport is undeniably important in the transportation of goods. Also, the airport’s strategic location in Northern Sudan sustains the region’s cultural and agricultural activities.

Nearby Attractions: Old Dongola, Temple of Amun, Mut Temple

9. Merowe Airport

View inside an airport that is decorated with colourful glass sheets with a circular structure above.

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MWE is at Merowe, a town that boasts of a key hydroelectric project that churns the electricity for Sudan. Merowe Airport is known for its incredible line-up of modern facilities, which play a crucial role in Sudan’s thriving. The airport has the facility of browsing through real-time flight status and weather updates. The airport is well-equipped with ILS installations that include beam points, glides, and localisers. Among other astounding features, the airport has business conference rooms, unparalleled ground handling services, and catering services. Considering Merowe’s potential to reap economic benefits for Sudan, the airport is a crucial aviation hub for the country.

Nearby Attractions: Necropolis of Nuri

10. Atbara Airport

A passenger in a red cap and jacket intently looks at the flight schedule on an LCD screen.

Photo: DirkDanielMann / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This, among the airports in Sudan, is located at Atbara, the River Nile State of Sudan. The airport has a single runway of 5,906 feet and predominantly handles domestic flights. Although it is not a designated international airport, few international flights are routed here. The airport serves as a crucial junction for agricultural and commercial activities since it is located at a key intersection of rails and roads. Most of the economic activities at Atbara are facilitated by this airport. Located at an elevation of 1,181 feet, it also has the modern feature of viewing live flight arrivals and departures.

Nearby Attractions: Kerma, Al Sabalouga, The Temple at Soleb

The travel experience in Sudan is unmatchable, synonymous with time-travelling. Sudan is brimming with historical significance, cultural sites, diverse landscapes, and powerful remnants of ancient civilisation. The hospitality of Sudanese culture is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A trip to this destination becomes comfortable and accessible due to the airports in Sudan. Plan to experience the experiences in Sudan with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Mertbiol / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Top 10 Airports In Sudan To Enjoy Your Hassle – Free Travel