El Fasher Airport (ELF)

El Fasher Airport (ELF), also known as Al Fashir Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for the city of El Fasher and the North Darfur state in Sudan. Historically, the airport has acted as a vital transport artery for the region, providing a critical link for government administration, commercial trade, and international diplomacy. Its strategic location in the eastern part of the city has made it an essential node for the integration of western Sudan with the national capital, Khartoum.

**IMPORTANT:** As of late October 2025, the airport and the city of El Fasher have fallen under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following a prolonged and intense 18-month siege. This shift in control has led to a "humanitarian catastrophe" in the region, with significant disruptions to all civil and commercial flight operations. Travelers and humanitarian organizations are urged to exercise extreme caution and seek the latest security advisories, as the airfield remains a high-risk zone within an active conflict area.

The airport has a storied history as a major international humanitarian hub. For many years, it served as a primary operations base for UNAMID (United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur), which utilized a dedicated air terminal to manage the influx of peacekeepers and emergency supplies. Although the UNAMID mandate officially ended in 2020, the facility remains a crucial platform for aid logistics, hosting the first successful international humanitarian deliveries in early 2026 after nearly two years of restricted access.

Airside infrastructure at ELF features a substantial 2,970-meter asphalt runway (05/23) capable of handling large transport aircraft, alongside a secondary 1,527-meter gravel strip. The passenger terminal itself is modest and designed for regional operations, housing essential check-in counters and a small waiting area with basic amenities. Due to the ongoing instability, the terminal lacks modern retail or dining options, and all arrivals must be meticulously coordinated with regional security and logistics teams. Despite the current crisis, the airport remains a foundational piece of infrastructure for the future recovery and stability of North Darfur.