SSCAA orders removal of grounded aircraft from Juba International Airport

JUBA – The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) has issued a firm directive ordering the removal of all grounded, unserviceable, abandoned, or non-operational aircraft from Juba International Airport within 30 days, citing safety, security, and operational concerns.

The order, issued by Ayiei Garang Deng, Director General of the SSCAA, is anchored in the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2012, its accompanying regulations, and international obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The circular takes immediate effect.

According to the SSCAA, the continued presence of non-operational aircraft on movement areas—including taxiways, aprons, and other non-designated locations—poses serious risks to aviation safety and undermines the efficient use of the airport’s infrastructure.

The authority emphasized that taxiways, runways, and other movement areas at Juba International Airport are strictly not authorized for aircraft parking under any circumstances.

“Grounded and unserviceable aircraft obstruct critical aerodrome operations and create avoidable hazards for active aircraft, passengers, and airport personnel,” the directive notes, warning that such practices are inconsistent with both national aviation regulations and international standards.

Under the directive, all aircraft operators with grounded or unserviceable aircraft at Juba International Airport are required to remove them within thirty days from the date of issuance. Operators are instructed to coordinate closely with Airport Operations Management and other relevant authorities to arrange towing, recovery, relocation, repair, export, or lawful disposal of affected aircraft. All actions must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures.

The SSCAA further warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will attract enforcement action. Such measures may include the removal of the aircraft by the authority at the operator’s expense, recovery of all associated costs, and any additional steps deemed necessary to safeguard aerodrome safety and operational efficiency.

Aviation experts say the directive signals a renewed effort by the SSCAA to improve safety oversight and restore order at the country’s main international gateway, which has faced operational challenges in recent years.

Juba International Airport serves as South Sudan’s primary aviation hub, handling international, regional, and domestic flights. The SSCAA reiterated its commitment to aligning airport operations with international best practices and urged all operators to comply promptly to avoid sanctions.

The authority stressed that the circular is effective immediately and called on operators to treat the matter with urgency in the interest of public safety and the smooth functioning of airport operations.