The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance to restrict flights between the UK and Sudan amidst continuing conflict and safety concerns. The alert, issued late on Monday, May 11, into Tuesday, May 12, affects airports in Khartoum and Port Sudan.
According to the FCDO, both Khartoum Airport and Port Sudan Airport are currently operating a limited number of international and domestic flights. However, these airports have recently been targeted by drone strikes as part of the ongoing conflict, posing a significant risk to flight operations. Temporary closures may occur without notice in response to further attacks.
Importantly, no Sudanese airlines currently meet the stringent safety standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or the European Union. The UK Air Safety List (ASL), maintained by the Department for Transport and advised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, outlines all Sudanese airlines banned from conducting commercial air services to, from, or within the UK due to failing to meet international safety criteria. Travelers are urged to consult this list when selecting airlines.
READ MORE: HMRC Confirms £3,160 Average Repayments for Thousands of UK Pensioners
READ MORE: DWP Imposes £50 Fine on 20 Groups of Universal Credit Claimants for Unreported Changes
The FCDO also advises caution on the ground in Sudan. Photography or the use of mobile phone cameras near government buildings, military sites, public utilities, petrol stations, bridges, airports, and other sensitive locations is strongly discouraged due to security concerns. Plain-clothed public security officers frequently patrol these areas.
In April, international donors pledged over £1 billion (€1.15 billion) at a Berlin conference to address Sudan’s severe humanitarian crisis resulting from years of conflict. This funding surpasses the initial target aimed at alleviating a crisis affecting over two-thirds of Sudan’s 34 million population, who are in urgent need of assistance. Notably, representatives from Sudan’s main warring factions—the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army—did not attend the Berlin conference.