By Lodu William Odiya
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) has announced strict restrictions on access to the airside area of Juba International Airport.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, SSCAA underlined that no individual or vehicle is allowed to enter the airside without valid authorization and an official permit, including an Airside Vehicle Permit (AVP) or Airport Restricted Area Permit (ARO).
“No individual or vehicle is permitted to enter the airside without valid authorization and official airside permit, including but not limited to; Airside Vehicle permit, Airside Restricted Area permit and any other SSCAA-approved access permit” the statement read.
SSCAA warned that unauthorized access will be treated as a serious security violation and will attract legal prosecution.
“Any unauthorized access to the airside area will be considered a serious violation of aviation safety and security regulations and will attract legal prosecution” the statement partly read.
The restriction applies to all persons and vehicles, with exemptions only for the President, Vice Presidents, and their officially designated vehicles.
They urged the public’s cooperation to ensure safety and orderly airport operations.
Juba International Airport, the country’s main gateway to the world, has in recent years experienced increased traffic from commercial airlines, humanitarian operators, and private flights.
Aviation experts say that as airport activity grows, strict enforcement of airside access control becomes critical to prevent incidents on the ground.
Passengers are not expected to be directly affected by the restrictions, as the measures focus on operational areas rather than passenger terminals. However, airport users have been advised to cooperate with security checks and follow guidance from airport authorities.
The restriction is part of broader efforts by SSCAA to improve aviation safety oversight and strengthen the country’s civil aviation system.
Officials emphasized that additional reforms and enforcement actions may follow as South Sudan works to modernize its aviation sector and improve its international standing.
The directive, signed and stamped by the Director General of SSCAA, has been circulated to key security bodies including Aviation Security (AVSEC), National Security Service, Criminal Investigation Department and Military Intelligence at Juba International Airport.