The Civil Aviation Authority of Sudan has announced that the country's airspace will remain closed to all traffic until July 31, 2023. The closure was initially imposed on April 15, 2023, following clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The closure of Sudanese airspace has had a significant impact on air travel in the region. Airlines have been forced to reroute flights around Sudan, which has added to travel times and costs. The closure has also affected the delivery of humanitarian aid to Sudan, which is already facing a number of challenges.
The Sudanese government has said that the closure of airspace is necessary to ensure the safety of civil aviation in the country. However, some analysts have argued that the closure is also being used as a political tool to pressure the government to reach a ceasefire with the RSF.
The closure of Sudanese airspace is expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy. The tourism industry is likely to be hit hard, as well as businesses that rely on air freight. The closure is also likely to make it more difficult for foreign investors to do business in Sudan. The Sudanese government has said that it is working to reopen the country's airspace as soon as possible. However, it is unclear when this will happen. In the meantime, travelers and businesses should be aware of the closure and make alternative arrangements as necessary.