[VIDEO] – Aviation Leaders Discuss Sector Challenges in South Sudan

(JUBA) – Senior officials from the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) spoke on The Dawn Show in Juba on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, where they discussed the role of the Authority, ongoing airport upgrades, employment prospects, sector challenges and future opportunities.

The guests included David Loputu Paulino, the Authority’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, and Boring Buom, the Acting Manager of Air Traffic Management. Both officials used the live programme to explain how the SSCAA was working to improve air safety, expand infrastructure and create jobs in the aviation sector.

Mr Loputu explained that the SSCAA was established in 2012 after separating from the Ministry of Transport. He clarified that the Authority was not the same as Juba International Airport, since the SSCAA functioned as the national regulator responsible for setting and enforcing civil aviation laws, safety standards and regulations, while airports acted as service providers.

The officials said Juba International Airport had already seen visible improvements following the amendment of the Civil Aviation Authority Act in 2024, which gave the SSCAA greater powers and funding. They reported that drainage channels had been built to address past flooding problems, the passenger terminal was under renovation, and parking areas were being reorganised with new electronic gates to make vehicle management more efficient.

They added that the airport fence and access gates were being upgraded, while a new diversion road was being constructed in coordination with the Central Equatoria State government to ease congestion. Old shipping containers near the southern side of the airport had also been removed to improve safety and the airport’s image.

The SSCAA further highlighted the launch of a yellow fever vaccination centre at Juba International Airport, describing it as a step towards meeting international health requirements for travellers. Officials said this service would ensure passengers were properly checked and vaccinated against diseases before travelling, in line with World Health Organisation recommendations.

The Authority also revealed plans to expand the airport apron to create more parking space for aircraft. They noted that Juba International Airport currently handled several international carriers, including Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines and Uganda Airlines, with some operating multiple daily flights. The apron expansion, supported by UNMISS through the relocation of some of its facilities, would allow aircraft to park more safely and avoid congestion on taxiways.

Mr Buom said safety and security were the Authority’s top priorities, stressing that airports must not only protect aircraft and passengers but also generate revenue for the government. He confirmed that Juba International Airport was also introducing free Wi-Fi services and improving its terminal facilities to give passengers better experiences.

The officials also spoke about long-term plans to start night operations. They said runway lighting systems were being upgraded and backup power systems installed. However, they added that night operations would only begin once stronger security arrangements were in place, including safer road access for passengers travelling to the airport after dark.

Responding to public questions, the SSCAA acknowledged past concerns over old or unsafe aircraft operating in South Sudan. They said a verification exercise carried out with foreign regulators had grounded 12 aircraft that were no longer fit to fly. They also confirmed that stricter checks were now in place to ensure all planes entering South Sudan complied with international airworthiness standards.

Employment opportunities in the aviation sector were also discussed. The officials said the Authority offered jobs in specialised areas such as firefighting, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance and airport ground operations. However, they explained that new recruits must undergo proper training before being deployed. They confirmed that vacancies advertised earlier in 2025 were still under review as training and budget arrangements were finalised.

The programme also addressed the issue of South Sudan’s airspace management. Officials said airspace control was linked to international aviation agreements and required coordination with neighbouring countries and global aviation bodies. They added that discussions were ongoing at government level to strengthen South Sudan’s full management of its own flight information region.

The SSCAA also mentioned future projects, including feasibility studies for a new international airport at Tali, which could reduce pressure on Juba and boost the country’s connectivity.

On electricity challenges, the officials said the airport was already using new backup generators, a connection to the national grid and plans for solar installations to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

They concluded by stressing that aviation was vital to South Sudan’s economy, connecting the country with regional hubs and creating opportunities for investment and jobs.