EU launches humanitarian air bridge to Darfur

December 15, 2025 (BRUSSELS) – The European Union has launched a new humanitarian air bridge operation to deliver life-saving supplies to Darfur, where the conflict has precipitated mass atrocities, displacement and starvation.

The initiative aims to transport essential aid to the region, which remains one of the most inaccessible areas for humanitarian organisations globally. Access deteriorated significantly following the fall of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October.

The first of eight planned flights arrived on Friday, December 12, carrying approximately 100 tonnes of supplies drawn from EU humanitarian stockpiles and partner organisations. The EU confirmed that subsequent flights are scheduled to continue throughout December 2025 and January 2026.

This operation involves the transport of shelter materials, health supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) items. The total value of the air bridge operation is estimated at €3.5 million, fully funded by the EU’s humanitarian aid budget.

The fall of El Fasher marked a major escalation in the conflict, further restricting aid access to millions of civilians in need. Civilians fleeing the area have reported widespread violations of international humanitarian law.

This year, the EU has allocated over €270 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, positioning the bloc as one of the largest contributors to the response and marking its most significant humanitarian effort on the African continent in 2025.