Section of renovated Juba International Airport | Photo Credit|Engineer Kat

The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) has announced a strict restriction on access to the airside area of Juba International Airport (JIA), citing aviation safety and security concerns.

In a public notice issued by the Office of the Director General on January 8, 2026, the Authority informed the general public that no individual or vehicle is permitted to enter the airside area without valid authorization and an official airside permit.

According to the notice, permitted access documents include an Airside Vehicle Permit (AVP), an Airport Restricted Area Permit (ARO), or any other access permit formally approved by the SSCAA.

The restriction applies to all persons and vehicles operating at or around Juba International Airport, with limited exemptions.

The only exceptions granted are to His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan and Their Excellencies the Vice Presidents, along with their officially designated vehicles.

The SSCAA warned that any unauthorized access to the airside area will be treated as a serious violation of aviation safety and security regulations and may result in legal prosecution.

“The cooperation of the public is essential to ensure safety, security, and orderly airport operations,” the notice stated.

The directive was issued by the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority in coordination with airport security stakeholders, including Aviation Security (AVSEC), the National Security Service at JIA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and Military Intelligence (MI).

Juba International Airport is the country’s main international gateway, handling both domestic and international flights.

Authorities say the enforcement of access control measures is critical to maintaining compliance with international aviation safety standards.