Qatar Airways eyes Sudan return as Oman’s SalamAir sets January launch
December 25, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Qatar Airways has requested permission from the Sudanese civil aviation authority to resume flights to Sudan, sources told Sudan Tribune on Thursday, as another Gulf carrier announced it would start service to Port Sudan in late January.
Regional and international airlines suspended flights to Sudan following the outbreak of war in mid-April 2023, forcing Khartoum International Airport to close. Some carriers have since resumed operations via Port Sudan airport in the east of the country.
Regular service to Port Sudan currently includes EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and local carriers. Eastern Sudan was removed from a list of unsafe airspace in July 2024, allowing international airlines to return through that corridor.
Sources said Qatar Airways submitted takeoff and landing requests to the authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
International lines had briefly suspended flights to Port Sudan following drone strikes in May, but several have gradually returned. Qatar Airways said it is ready to include Port Sudan in its destinations soon, enhancing connectivity between Sudan and the Gulf.
Meanwhile, Oman’s SalamAir announced direct flights to Port Sudan starting Jan. 27, 2026. The airline plans three flights per week, making it the first carrier from the Gulf Cooperation Council to operate direct flights to Sudan since the conflict began.
The new route aims to boost connectivity between Oman and northeast Africa to meet demand from Gulf markets and serve a growing Sudanese community.
SalamAir said it would operate the flights using Airbus A320neo aircraft, with schedules designed to link with its regional network. The Sudanese community is the second-largest Arab community in Oman.
On Dec. 6, Sudan officially opened two new air corridors after meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. The authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) describing the step as an achievement in restoring airspace operations.