The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel warning for Sudan, citing airport closures and the suspension of flights to and from the United Kingdom. The advisory was updated on Thursday, May 7, highlighting significant risks for travelers.
Airport Closures and Flight Disruptions
Khartoum International Airport remains closed following recent drone strikes, with continued risk of further attacks. Port Sudan Airport is operating a limited number of international and domestic flights, but it was also targeted by drone attacks in early May 2025. Since then, no new strikes have been reported, although surveillance drone activity persists.
No Direct Flights to the UK or EU
The FCDO stated: "There are no Sudanese airlines which currently meet the standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or EU." The UK Air Safety List includes all known Sudanese airlines that fail to meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Travelers are advised to check the list before choosing an airline.
Diplomatic Tensions
Sudan has accused neighboring Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating the drone strikes on its main airport, labeling the assault as "direct aggression." Ethiopia dismissed the allegations as "baseless," while the UAE said the "unfounded accusations and deliberate propaganda" undermine efforts to resolve the conflict.
Sudan recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations over the attack. Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem alleged that the drones had taken off from Ethiopia, despite describing Ethiopia as a "brotherly state." He warned that the UAE and Ethiopia had chosen the "wrong path" and would regret their actions.
