The RSF strike, now in its sixth consecutive day, has crippled flight operations out of Port Sudan, pushing South Sudanese passengers to seek alternative air travel routes. Kush Airline, already operating at high frequency, was unprepared for the abrupt spike in demand.
Witnesses at the Wau airstrip reported chaotic scenes, with passengers pleading for tickets and space aboard departing planes. Airport staff were seen trying to manage the crowds and address the frustrations of those left unboarded.
In response to the situation, Kush Airline is reportedly planning to double its flights to Wau, offering two daily flights instead of the usual one. However, even this may not be sufficient to meet the escalating demand caused by the Badr Airline freeze.
Travel agents in Wau are already warning of potential fare hikes. “With this kind of demand and limited options, ticket prices will likely go up in the coming days,” one agent remarked, noting that seats are being booked out almost immediately.
The aviation pressure is a direct consequence of Sudan’s broader instability, which continues to disrupt regional movement and trade. For now, Kush Airline remains the primary option for many desperate travelers in South Sudan.
