Sudan Civil Aviation Authority: War Has Cost Sudan Over $1 Billion in Aviation Revenue Since April 2023

Sudan's Civil Aviation Authority released figures on May 10, 2026 showing that the country had lost over $1 billion in cumulative aviation revenue since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023. The losses encompass airport landing and handling fees foregone during the three years Khartoum International Airport was effectively non-operational; aircraft maintenance contracts canceled as Sudanese carriers grounded their fleets; suspended international route rights; and transit overflights that were rerouted to avoid Sudanese airspace. The full disruption period covers April 2023 to late April 2026, when Khartoum airport first received commercial flights after a three-year closure — only for the RSF drone attack of May 4–5 to shut it again for four days. Sudan's aviation sector had already been chronically underfunded before the war; the $1 billion loss figure represents a near-existential blow to an industry that will require years of rebuilding even if fighting stops. The figure was released as part of a broader effort by Burhan's government to quantify war damages for potential international reparations claims and UN Security Council discussions. Sudan's civil aviation losses compound the country's broader economic catastrophe: GDP contracted by 12% in 2023, inflation exceeds 200%, and the IMF has suspended all engagement with the country.