Several commercial and government aircraft have already been destroyed at Khartoum International Airport (KRT), Sudan, as a result of armed clashes between forces loyal to Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Along with diplomatic and other government buildings, the country’s largest air terminal has been a major target since last Saturday, when fighting began in the capital.
The crisis was triggered by tensions over the proposed transition to civilian rule. Sudan is currently ruled by a military junta. At least 300 people have already been confirmed dead. However, the actual number could be much higher.
See also: Berlin had to abort air rescue mission for German nationals from Sudan
Aircraft destroyed at Khartoum International Airport
According to information published by the JACDEC portal, which provides data and analysis on aviation safety, the following aircraft were confirmed destroyed at the airport:
- One Embraer E135 of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).
- One Saudia Airbus A330-300, registration HZ-AQ30. The aircraft was bombed and subsequently consumed by fire. The company reported that all passengers and crew left the aircraft in time and were sheltered at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Sudan.
- One SkyUp Boeing 737-800, registration UR-SQH.
- One Badr Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration 4L-MWA.
- One Asia Cargo Airlines Boeing 737-300F, registration PK-YGW.
- One Government of Sudan Ilyushin IL-62, registration ST-PRA.
- One Belcanto Airlines Ilyushin Il-76, registration EW-576TH.
- At least three other Ilyushin Il-76.
- Two Antonov An-74.
- Four Antonov An-12.
- Seven Mil Mi-24P and Mi-35P helicopters.
In addition, three Mikoyan MiG-29M of the Egyptian Air Force and two Guizhou JL-9, also known as FTC-2000, were destroyed at Merowe.
During the ongoing military coup in Sudan, two aircraft are known to have been badly damaged or destroyed while parked at Khartoum Intl Airport (HSSS), Sudan. A Saudi Airbus A330-300 and a SkyUp Boeing 737-800. Additional aircraft may be affected as well. Ongoing story… pic.twitter.com/gqDZXJn1XH
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) April 15, 2023
Badr Airlines B737-800 (4L_MWA, built 2007) was destroyed by fire during recent military fighting at and around #KhartoumAirport, Sudan. @Eren50855570 pic.twitter.com/PyJ0fR8hTM
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) April 20, 2023
Sudanese airspace remains restricted
Sudan’s airspace remains restricted since the start of the conflict. Commercial services to and from Khartoum International Airport have been cancelled, while flights that would naturally fly over the country must change their routes. The diversions result in additional flight times of between one and three hours.
Among the airlines most affected by this situation are those that regularly use the air corridors over Sudan to connect the Middle East with West Africa and South America. Flights between East Africa and Europe are also affected.
