(JUBA CITY) – Senior officials at the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority say the country is entering a new phase of aviation development as they work with the Ministry of Transport to strengthen safety, improve airport facilities and gain full control of national airspace.
During a high level meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority headquarters, the director of air transport and economics, Blasha Akongo James, the director of air navigation services, Lemi Peter Abdallah, and the director of corporate services, Habib Daffalla Awongo, gave an overview of current progress and future goals for the sector.
They said the authority remains focused on three main areas that guide all aviation operations in the country: safety, security and efficiency. According to the leadership team, these pillars are central to building a reliable aviation system that can support economic activity and attract more investment into South Sudan.
A major priority outlined during the meeting is the plan for South Sudan to acquire and manage its own airspace. At present, the country still relies partly on external services for airspace control. Officials said full ownership will strengthen national sovereignty, improve the quality of air navigation services and open new sources of revenue for the government.
The officials also reported progress on development works at Juba International Airport. They said upgrades under way are designed to improve passenger experience, raise safety standards and increase the airport’s capacity to handle more flights. These improvements include better navigation systems, expanded terminal facilities and operational reforms.
The Civil Aviation Authority leadership said the ongoing changes are aligned with the priorities of the Ministry of Transport and form part of a wider plan to modernise the aviation system. They added that coordinated efforts between the ministry and the aviation authority are helping South Sudan build a more stable, efficient and internationally competitive transport sector.
Industry observers say a stronger aviation system could support trade, tourism and business travel in the coming years. Reliable air services are also important for humanitarian operations, regional connections and local private sector growth.
| Key Aviation Priority | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| Full control of national airspace | Increased revenue and national sovereignty |
| Safety and security improvements | Better compliance with global aviation standards |
| Upgrades at Juba International Airport | Improved passenger flow and higher service capacity |
| Operational efficiency reforms | Lower delays and better airline coordination |
The aviation authority said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Transport to complete reforms that can support wider economic development as South Sudan seeks to position itself as a stronger player in regional air travel.
