Sudan airport drone strikes halt travel for nomads and expats until May 7

What happened at Khartoum airport

Drone attacks hit Khartoum International Airport on May 4 and Sudanese air defenses intercepted most of the drones, officials said. No casualties were reported, though witnesses heard explosions and saw smoke near the airport. The government said a small administrative building was damaged and suspended airport operations for 72 hours.

Sudanese officials accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of launching the drones from Bahir Dar airport. Ethiopia and the UAE denied involvement, while Sudan recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations. The airport’s closure also halted UN flights, including aid and evacuation traffic.

Who gets caught in the shutdown

Travelers, expats and digital nomads face a total stoppage at Sudan’s main air hub. That leaves entry and exit through Khartoum blocked, with limited alternatives and a security picture that remains unstable.

The U.S. State Department still says "don't Travel" to Sudan and the UK warns against all travel. Those advisories cite conflict, drone risks, checkpoints and unreliable services, which makes normal travel planning difficult even outside the airport zone.

What to do before moving plans

Check flight status before heading anywhere near Khartoum and expect more delays until safety checks finish. UN reports said the airport was still suspended on May 7, with service expected to resume only after inspections.

If you need to leave Sudan, look at limited flights from Port Sudan only after checking the security situation there. US citizens should contact Embassy Cairo for emergencies, since the Khartoum embassy remains suspended. Read our full Sudan guide for the complete picture and follow nomad news for updates.