UN, UK condemn drone strikes on Khartoum airport as flights remain suspended
May 6, 2026 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations warned on Tuesday that air operations at Khartoum International Airport remain suspended following drone strikes on the facility and other parts of the capital, dealing a significant blow to humanitarian logistics.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, told reporters in New York that the airport is “vital to humanitarian access,” especially for the movement of personnel following the recent resettlement of the UN team in Khartoum.
The British Embassy in Sudan also expressed grave concern over the situation, stating on the X platform that attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital aid routes must stop.
“Every strike endangers innocent lives,” the Embassy said, calling on the warring parties to agree to a humanitarian truce and commit to a civilian-led future for the country.
The suspension of flights comes amid a surge in drone warfare across the country. Dujarric confirmed that drones targeted several locations in the city of Kosti, White Nile State, on Tuesday, just 24 hours after a fuel station and a tanker were hit in the same area.
“Drones today reportedly struck several places in the city, including two fuel stations in a busy area,” Dujarric said, noting that the attacks caused casualties and disrupted basic services.
The UN condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, reminding warring parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and non-military objects.
In North Darfur, the UN revealed the heavy human cost of the ongoing siege of the state capital. Citing new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the spokesperson reported that more than 138,000 people were displaced from El Fasher and surrounding villages between October 2025 and March 2026.
The world body renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the parties to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need swiftly and without obstruction.