MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Khartoum

Air Travel Currently Non-Operational for Tourists

Major Airports Historical vs. Current

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) was the main airport. It is severely damaged and non-operational since April 2023. Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) is currently the main operational airport in Sudan.

Airport Status

  • KRT: Severely damaged, non-operational.
  • PZU: Main operational airport, mainly humanitarian flights.
  • PZU is distant from Khartoum.

Airlines & Routes Historical vs. Current

Pre-conflict (KRT), airlines like EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines connected Khartoum to regional hubs. Current (PZU) flights are limited, mainly for essential travel to The harbor Sudan.

Flight Information

  • Flights straight to KRT: None currently.
  • Variable seasonal pricing & availability: Not applicable.
  • Transfer to Khartoum from PZU: Highly dangerous, not advised.

Historically Available

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) with various international airlines.

Currently Limited

Port Sudan Aviation hub (PZU) for essential plus of mankinditarian flights.

No Tourist Access

All commercial passenger flights to Khartoum are suspended due to conflict.

Affiliate Resources: Flights & Car Rentals

Historical Flight Search

  • Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • Skyscanner for global comparisons.
  • These resources refer to historical flight data.
  • Currently no commercial flights to Khartoum.

Historical Car Rentals

  • DiscoverCars.com to make bookings.
  • Car rentals are completely unavailable now.
  • Driving in Khartoum is extremely dangerous.
  • This is purely for historical context.

Airport Facilities & Transfers Pre-Conflict

KRT Facilities

Basic facilities included currency exchange, duty-free, cafes.

KRT Transfers

Taxis and private cars were available; fares were negotiated.

Current Status

KRT facilities are non-existent; no transfers possible from KRT. PZU facilities are basic.

Land Transportation Extreme Danger

Historical Train & Bus Services

Historically, limited and unreliable train services operated between Khartoum and cities like Port Sudan. Numerous private bus companies connected Khartoum to other Sudanese cities and neighboring countries.

Service Details

  • Trains were slow but offered an unique way to travel.
  • Buses were a common and affordable long-distance option.
  • Services operated within Sudan and to neighboring countries.

Current Land Travel Reality

Land borders are highly dangerous and volatile due to ongoing conflict, inter-communal violence, and armed groups. Rail and bus services are severely disrupted or non-existent.

Current Status

  • All land borders extremely risky for civilian travel.
  • Train services severely disrupted, infrastructure damaged.
  • Long-distance bus services from Khartoum are unsafe or non-existent.

Border Crossings Historical

Sudan shares extensive land borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya. These borders historically saw considerable movement.

Historical Context

  • Borders with seven neighboring countries.
  • Historically facilitated trade and travel.
  • Documentation and permits were required.

Current Border Situation

All land borders are considered highly dangerous and volatile. Civilian travel across them is extremely risky and not recommended.

Current Reality

  • High danger due to conflict and armed groups.
  • Movement is mainly by refugees, IDPs, or for humanitarian aid.
  • Precarious conditions and complex arrangements.

Dangers in Land Travel Current

  • Active fighting and shelling.
  • Road blockages and damaged infrastructure.
  • Risk of violence and looting.
  • Presence of armed groups.
  • Arbitrary detention.
  • No safe passages for tourists.

Sea/River Arrivals Limited to Port Sudan for Essentials

Port Sudan: Main Seaport Current

Port Sudan, on the Red Sea, is Sudan's main seaport. It serves as an coming in and going out point for humanitarian aid, evacuations, and limited commercial shipping.

Port Functionality

  • A hub for essential supplies.
  • Facilitates humanitarian operations.
  • No regular passenger ferry or cruise services for tourists.

River Transportation Historically & Currently Dangerous

Historically, local boat on the rivers (feluccas) offered short excursions on the Great river within Khartoum. Limited passenger services existed to other towns. Now, travel by river is highly dangerous or impossible.

Nile River Status

  • Not safe for recreational or non-essential travel.
  • Highly dangerous due to active conflict zones.
  • Military recreation and checkpoints disrupt river routes.

Historical Immigration

Procedures similar to getting to the airports, required passports and visas.

Current Immigration PZU

Focused on essential travel and humanitarian operations, not tourism.

Connections to Khartoum

Travel from The port Sudan to Khartoum remains extremely dangerous and is not advised.

Departure Information Currently Non-Operational

Historical Departure Process

Historically, a small airport departure tax was sometimes collected. Arriving at KRT 2-3 hours before international flights was recommended for standard check-in and security.

Historical Points

  • Departure tax was sometimes applied.
  • Early arrival for international flights.
  • Standard check-in and security procedures.

Current Departure Reality

Departure from Khartoum is currently impossible via commercial means. Amenities at KRT are non-existent due to damage and conflict.

Current Situation

  • Individuals rely on organized evacuations or humanitarian channels.
  • Departures often occur from Port Sudan or land borders.
  • Conditions are rapidly changing, dangerous, and security assessments are critical.

Affiliate Resource: Flight Compensation

Historical Delays

Pre-conflict, flight delays or cancellations could occur.

Compensation Service

AirHelp helped passengers receive compensation for delayed/canceled flights.

Current Irrelevance

This service is not relevant for travel to/from Khartoum due to the complete cessation of commercial flights.

Final Travel Advisory

All forms of travel to Khartoum are currently extremely dangerous and strongly advised against by international authorities. This section serves as historical context only.

How to Get to Khartoum. Flights, Transportation, Airlines