Sudan’s national carrier, Sudanair, also known as Sudan Airways (SD), announced on 18 January 2026 that it will resume flight operations this week following a six-month grounding of its only operational aircraft for maintenance.
The airline’s sole Airbus A320 returned to service after undergoing comprehensive heavy maintenance in India. The aircraft had been out of operation since 11 July 2025 to complete repairs and testing required to meet international aviation safety standards. With its return, Sudanair plans to operate regular flights from Port Sudan to Cairo, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Flights to Jeddah are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with adult fares priced at SDP800,000 (USD1,330), while daily flights to Cairo are priced at SDP750,000 (USD1,247).
Sudanair stated that the resumption of services forms part of a phased strategy to rebuild its domestic and international network, aligning with broader national efforts to revive Sudan’s aviation sector. The airline is offering promotional incentives, including competitive pricing and increased baggage allowances.
Despite the restart, Sudanair continues to face significant structural challenges. The carrier remains on the European Union’s air safety blacklist, is constrained by long-standing administrative and financial difficulties, and operates with a severely reduced and aging fleet. International sanctions previously limited access to spare parts, accelerating fleet decline. Although fleet renewal plans have been discussed for years, including reports in 2017 of potential Saudi support for new aircraft, these have yet to materialise.
The airline’s operations have also been heavily affected by the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023. While Sudanair remains the country’s flag carrier, other Sudanese airlines, including Badr Airlines and Tarco Aviation, have continued operating as low-cost carriers using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Khartoum International Airport (KIA) has remained closed since April 2023 after sustaining extensive damage during the conflict. After repeated delays, the airport is now expected to reopen in 2026. In the meantime, Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) continues to serve as Sudan’s primary international gateway.
Source: Sudan Tribune
YES!!!