Aviation Body Moves to Upgrade Malakal and Wau Airports

(JUBA) – The Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, Ayiei Garang Deng Ayiei, has led a technical inspection tour of Malakal and Wau airports as part of wider efforts to improve the country’s aviation infrastructure and management.

The visit formed part of the Authority’s ongoing assessment of the condition and performance of national airports. The tour focused on identifying operational and infrastructure gaps that affect safety, efficiency, and service delivery.

Malakal, Wau, and Juba airports are included in the Authority’s Master Plan, which aims to enable South Sudan to take full control of its airspace and develop aviation into a profitable and reliable sector.

Ayiei was accompanied by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transport, Paul Dhel Gum, and senior officials from departments responsible for aviation security, safety and standards, and airport management. The delegation was received by state authorities in the areas visited.

During the inspections, the Director General noted serious shortages in facilities and equipment at both Malakal and Wau airports. He said the findings would be presented to President Salva Kiir Mayardit together with proposals for upgrading and long term development.

He said the Authority remains committed to strengthening airport infrastructure in order to support domestic and regional air travel and improve safety standards across the country.

Ayiei also met with female staff at the airports and encouraged greater participation of women in leadership and technical roles within the Civil Aviation Authority.

The inspection tour comes as the Authority continues to implement wider reforms aimed at reviving the aviation sector and improving access to air transport in South Sudan.

In a related development, the Civil Aviation Authority recently announced major reductions in domestic and international aviation charges. The measures include lower landing, parking, passenger service, and air navigation fees, as well as a twenty per cent reduction in overflight charges.

The Authority said the reductions are intended to ease costs for airlines, attract more flights through South Sudan’s airspace, and support lower ticket prices for passengers.

Ayiei said that in recent years some airlines reduced operations or withdrew from the country due to high fees. He said the new policy is meant to restore confidence and encourage operators to expand their services.

He added that airline companies have welcomed the changes and have committed to adjusting fares in line with reduced operating costs.

The Director General said further reviews of airport related charges are planned, alongside the introduction of digital systems to improve efficiency and transparency in airport operations.

He said the combined reforms and infrastructure assessments are expected to strengthen South Sudan’s position in regional aviation and improve connectivity for passengers and businesses.