PORT SUDAN – Qatar Airways resumed scheduled passenger flights to Sudan on Wednesday, restoring a key international air link after a three-year suspension caused by the country’s civil war and marking another step in the gradual reopening of international connections through Port Sudan.
The Gulf carrier operated its first regular flight from Doha to Port Sudan, which has served as Sudan’s main aviation gateway since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forced the closure of Khartoum International Airport in April 2023.
The resumption comes as Sudan seeks to restore commercial activity despite a conflict that has displaced millions of people, crippled infrastructure and severely disrupted transport, trade and investment.
Sudan’s ambassador to Qatar, Badr El-Din Abdalla Mohamed Ahmed, said the return of Qatar Airways reflected the close relationship between the two countries and expressed hope that flights to Khartoum would resume once security conditions permit.
Qatar’s ambassador to Sudan, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sada, said the airline’s return underscored Doha’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Sudan and supporting the country’s stability and recovery.
Sudanese officials said the restored service would facilitate travel for citizens, humanitarian workers and the business community, while improving Sudan’s connectivity with regional and international markets.
Most international airlines suspended operations to Sudan after war erupted in April 2023. Port Sudan has since become the country’s administrative, diplomatic and humanitarian hub, hosting government institutions, foreign missions and United Nations agencies relocated from Khartoum.
Qatar Airways becomes one of the first major international carriers to restore scheduled passenger services to Sudan, a move expected to support humanitarian operations, commercial travel and broader efforts to revive the country’s economy.
