(JUBA) – South Sudan’s aviation regulator is stepping up oversight of facilities across the country, with teams deployed to monitor operations at Malakal Airport while preparations continue for the opening of a new passenger terminal in the capital.
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, led by Dr. Ayiei Garang Deng Ayiei, sent a technical team to Malakal Airport to check on the state of a radar station and other essential navigation equipment. The group included Mr. Makuei Mager, Director of Flight Clearance, Mr. Meen Chol, Manager of Aviation Safety, Security and Regulations, and Engineer Thomas Rizik, an Air Navigation Services Officer. Their task was to carry out a routine inspection to confirm that all equipment is working properly, meets safety rules, and follows set regulatory standards.
During the visit to Malakal, the team also met with the state governor and other local government officials. The authority described the trip as part of its ongoing programme of follow up visits and inspections. For traders and relief agencies that depend on air corridors serving Upper Nile and surrounding areas, the reliability of Malakal’s aviation systems is a practical concern. Any disruption to navigation aids or safety services can quickly delay flights carrying essential supplies.
At the same time, the authority reported that work on Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport is on track for an official opening on 9 July 2026, a date that matches South Sudan’s Independence Day. The new terminal is seen as a major national infrastructure step. It is meant to raise the quality, safety, and speed of air services for passengers, airlines, and logistics partners. The authority stated that once the terminal is in use, it should help handle more passenger traffic and support the country’s wider economic growth and regional connections.
The Civil Aviation Authority called the terminal project a proud national achievement and a clear sign of its drive to modernise airport facilities. It noted that the terminal would improve the passenger experience, strengthen aviation standards, and help position Juba International Airport as a more competitive entry point for South Sudan. The authority thanked the national government, development partners, aviation stakeholders, contractors, and the public for backing the project.
The cost of building Terminal 3 has not been disclosed in the latest announcement, but aviation infrastructure projects of this nature typically run into tens of millions of US Dollars.
Better airport facilities matter directly to South Sudan’s business community. Juba serves as the main hub for bringing in high value goods, moving humanitarian cargo, and connecting officials and investors to regional markets in East Africa and beyond.