The aircraft landed on February 1, 2026, arriving from Port Sudan and carrying, among others, Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil Idriss. The landing has been viewed as a strong signal of improving security conditions at the airport.

Operations at Khartoum International Airport had been suspended since 2023 due to ongoing fighting between Sudan’s government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which severely disrupted air transport and other essential services.

An earlier attempt to resume flights in October 2025 was unsuccessful after the aircraft was reportedly targeted by RSF drones, highlighting the continued security risks at the time.

Aviation and security experts say the successful landing demonstrates the government’s efforts to reassure international partners and airlines that stability is gradually returning. 

Since the conflict began in 2023, more than 150,000 people have reportedly lost their lives, around 13 million have been displaced, and the country has plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread hunger.