“ICAO approves the Juba Aeronautical Information Region
Strengthening South Sudan's sovereignty over its airspace
Written by: Ayman Ragab
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has approved the establishment of the Juba Flight Information Region (Juba FIR), in a move described as a milestone in South Sudan’s path to managing its airspace independently from Sudan.
The adoption of the new zone came after a request submitted by the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, led by Director General Ayi Garang Ayi, during the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Symposium on Implementation Support, held in Marrakech, Morocco in April 2026.
Providing air traffic services
A flight information area is an airspace in which the competent aviation authority is responsible for providing air traffic services, including flight information, air navigation, weather updates, and emergency warning services, to ensure the safety and smooth flow of air traffic.
Under this designation, South Sudan’s airspace will be separated from the Khartoum Flight Information Region and placed under the management of the Juba Flight Information Region, which represents an important step towards consolidating national sovereignty and enhancing the country’s ability to manage its airspace in accordance with international standards.
The accreditation of Juba FIR represents a strategic achievement for the civil aviation sector in South Sudan, and opens the door to the development of air navigation services, improved aviation safety, and enhanced positioning of the country in the regional and international civil aviation system.
