Sudan Airways resumes flights after maintenance hiatus

January 24, 2026 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan Airways’ sole operational aircraft returned to Port Sudan Airport from India on Saturday, allowing the state-owned carrier to resume flights after a months-long grounding for maintenance, the airline said.

The Airbus A320 underwent major maintenance and detailed inspections at specialized technical centres in India, Sudan Airways said in a statement. The airline, locally known as Sudanair, suspended all operations on July 11, 2025, for periodic maintenance and fleet efficiency improvements.

The airline said it would offer promotional fares to rebuild passenger confidence, with one-way tickets from Port Sudan to Jeddah priced at 800,000 Sudanese pounds and return legs at 850,000 pounds. Flights to Cairo will cost 650,000 pounds, with returns at 750,000 pounds.

State support for the airline “reflects a belief in its national role and embodies institutional cooperation during difficult circumstances,” Sudan Airways said, thanking Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, Transport Minister Saif al-Nasr al-Tijani and Central Bank Governor Amna Mirghani Hassan for facilitating the aircraft’s return.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure said the resumption was a vital step in restoring the national carrier’s service, noting that Sudan Airways is essential for regional connectivity and economic activity.

Despite the resumption, Sudan Airways faces significant hurdles, including a diminished fleet, administrative and financial challenges, and technical constraints. The airline remains banned from European Union airspace, limiting its international competitiveness.