This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, Sudan closed its airspace to passenger traffic to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, leaving hundreds of its citizens stranded abroad.
Among those affected were 450 Sudanese who were stuck in Kuwait, where they had been appealing to the Government of Sudan through various embassies to be repatriated.
After months of waiting, the Sudanese authorities finally arranged for their return, with three flights bringing them back to Khartoum International Airport on Tuesday.
According to an official at Khartoum Airport, all those repatriated underwent stringent health checks in Kuwait before they were authorised to travel, in cooperation with the Kuwaiti authorities and the Sudanese embassy.
The repatriation effort is part of a larger push by Sudanese stranded abroad to be reunited with their families, with many staging vigils in front of their embassies to urge authorities to expedite their return home.
As the country continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, Sudan has extended the closure of airports for two weeks until June 28, although exemptions have been made for air freight of goods and humanitarian aid, flights for companies operating in oil fields, and those evacuating foreign nationals.
With 7,435 Covid-19 cases and 468 deaths recorded, the Ministry of Health has been working tirelessly to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the safe return of its citizens.
