South Sudan Orders Removal of Abandoned Aircraft at Juba Airport
South Sudan’s aviation regulator has ordered a sweeping cleanup at Juba International Airport, directing all operators to remove grounded, unserviceable, or abandoned aircraft from taxiways, aprons, and other movement areas within 30 days. The directive, issued on January 10 by the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA), warns that failure to comply will result in enforcement action.
In its notice, the authority said that derelict aircraft pose “serious safety, security, and operational risks” and significantly limit the efficient use of the airport’s infrastructure. Obstructed movement areas can impede aircraft manoeuvring, constrain parking capacity, and complicate emergency response, particularly at airports with limited apron space.
While the SSCAA did not identify specific aircraft or operators in its order, local digital outlet Sudans Post reported that the move reflects a renewed push to strengthen safety oversight under Ayiei Garang Deng Ayiei, who was appointed director general of the regulator in December 2025. The cleanup order is seen as one of his first high-profile steps aimed at improving operational discipline at the country’s primary international gateway.
Juba International Airport plays a critical role in South Sudan’s connectivity, serving as a hub for commercial airlines, humanitarian flights, and charter operations. In November 2025, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) rehabilitated and returned land adjacent to the airport that had previously been occupied by the peacekeeping mission. That effort involved relocating approximately 300 shipping containers, as well as moving hangars and accommodation units, freeing up space near the airfield and improving access.
Security around the airport has historically been a concern. The most serious incidents date back to 2016, when clashes near the facility forced its temporary closure during the civil war that erupted in 2013. While conditions have stabilized since then, authorities remain sensitive to any risks that could disrupt operations at the airport.
According to ch-aviation and ADS-B data, a wide range of operators currently serve Juba, including Ethiopian Airlines, which holds the largest share of weekly seats, as well as Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, and several regional, charter, and humanitarian operators.
The SSCAA’s directive signals a broader effort to modernize airport management and enforce international safety standards. If fully implemented, the removal of abandoned aircraft is expected to improve apron capacity, reduce hazards, and support more efficient operations as traffic through Juba International Airport continues to recover and grow.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com