South Sudanese citizens and civil society groups are welcoming the rollout of night flights at Juba International Airport, calling it a step toward improved connectivity, safety and economic activity.
Night operations were launched on Sept. 5, 2025, with all airlines implementing them by Feb. 16, 2026, marking a milestone in efforts to modernize the country’s aviation sector and align it with international standards.
Stakeholders say the introduction of night flights will ease travel, support trade and strengthen South Sudan’s links to regional and global markets.
Patrick Oyet Charles, president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said recent improvements at the airport point to growing efficiency and activity.
He cited expanded parking, earlier opening hours and improved cleanliness as signs of progress. Airport operations now begin as early as 5 a.m., compared with around 8 a.m. previously, helping reduce congestion and delays.
“Small businesses, including airtime vendors, are active early in the morning, an indication of rising economic activity,” he said, adding that improved hygiene and passenger flow mark “an important step forward.”
Oyet said recent late-night departures, including one involving the Congolese national team, show night operations are already feasible, with infrastructure such as lighting systems in place. The remaining challenge, he said, is ensuring consistent implementation.
Supporters say full night operations would offer greater convenience for travelers, particularly businesspeople and journalists, while creating opportunities for taxi drivers, vendors and other service providers. Increased activity could also improve security through continuous monitoring.
Kadi Celine, a businesswoman along Airport Road, said the airport’s renovation represents a milestone that could boost trade, attract investment and create jobs.
“As the primary international gateway, the upgraded airport is expected to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people,” she said, adding that the improvements could contribute to economic growth and government revenue.
However, she said the renovation has disrupted some businesses in the trade, hospitality and transport sectors during and after construction.
Livingstone Nyeko, a civil society voice, called for greater inclusion of local businesses in large infrastructure projects, warning that smaller domestic operators risk being sidelined.
He said partnerships with China, which has supported airport upgrades, bring investment and expertise but also raise concerns about fair participation and long-term sustainability.
“Increased traffic and modernization could intensify competition, potentially disadvantaging smaller local operators,” he said, adding that terminal facilities still need expansion to handle growing passenger numbers.
Traveler Mark Kur Deng Mayen said airport operations have become more organized, with fewer delays and improved scheduling.
A senior airport official, John Abe Ladu, said upgraded systems now allow aircraft to land and depart at any time.
“For landing fees, the cost is $200 per flight,” he said, adding that lighting installations enable round-the-clock operations. He declined to give the number of daily flights, citing security concerns, but said revenue has increased despite relatively low traffic.
Dorothy Drabuga, chairperson of the South Sudan Land Alliance, said the improvements are important for national development but should extend beyond international aviation.
“A functional international airport plays a key role in economic growth and global integration,” she said, calling for stronger domestic flight systems and improved safety standards.
She also stressed the need for inclusive development, saying international partnerships should be matched with local employment and skills development to ensure long-term benefits.
Progress at Juba International Airport is visible, she said, but sustaining gains will depend on fully institutionalizing consistent night operations.
Between 2018 and 2021, China supported major renovation work at the airport, including extending the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,100 meters to accommodate larger aircraft and expand cargo and passenger capacity.
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