Khartoum – Apr 2010

 

LANDSIDE

Firstly I wouldn’t recommend using binoculars openly here, fortunately you can get a lot of stuff with your eyes. I recommend a car here to make the best use. Its possible to drive all around the perimeter and get some good views.

 

No views from the terminal. If you take a walk outside you can get a view of some aircraft from the fence.

 

On the opposite side of the field are several stored aircraft. The road runs straight by them and you can read them of with your eyes.

 

From the terminal area, turn left onto the main road and you will drive past several hangers. 1 or 2 things may be seen through gaps but not much. At the end there is an old terminal which I believe is still used occasionally for Hadj flights. This has a car park overlooking the runway threshold and its possible to read arrivals and departures with your eyes.

 

AIRSIDE

No views from here. A left seat for arrival and right for departure is highly recommended with your camera at the ready.

 

HOTELS

www.bougainvillaguesthouse.com

Basic but decent, located 5 mins drive from the airport, but get directions as its not easy to find. They can assist in giving you an invitation letter for your visa if you need one. They have a rooftop area which has distant views of the approach.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a fantastic place to see. Lots of antonovs and ilyushins parked up in a variety of colourschemes and various other propliners – DHC8’s, B1900’s, F50’s along with some B707’s.

 

Not the busiest in terms of movements but I logged over 60 aircraft in total. I was unable to get about 15 aircraft as well. Between 6 and 8am there is about 15 departures.

 

United Nations have a large operation here. Expect to see lots of UN vehicles buzzing around and several aircraft are likely to be here.