EU launches emergency air bridge to deliver aid into Darfur

A total of 8 flights will bring life-saving supplies into Darfur, as mass atrocities, starvation, and displacement linked to the conflict in Sudan have left millions in need of humanitarian assistance. The first flight delivered around 100 tonnes of aid from EU humanitarian stockpiles and partner organisations last Friday, 12 December. Further flights will continue throughout December 2025 and January 2026.

The humanitarian situation in Darfur - one of the world's hardest places for aid organisations to reach - deteriorated sharply after the fall of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, to the Rapid Support Forces in late October. The loss of the city marked a major escalation of an already catastrophic humanitarian situation, and further restricted aid access.

Civilians who managed to flee are reporting widespread violations of international humanitarian law.

The Air Bridge is transporting supplies including shelter materials, water, sanitation and hygiene items, as well as health supplies. The total value of this operation is €3.5 million, funded from the EU's humanitarian aid budget.

The EU has channelled over €270 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan this year alone, making it one of the largest contributors to the response and marking the bloc's biggest humanitarian effort in Africa.