Sudan and Ethiopia have moved to renew civil aviation relations between the two countries. Recently, Sudan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Al-Zein Ibrahim Hussein, met with the Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Yohannes Abera, in Addis Ababa for discussions.
The meeting, held at the Authority’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, comes at a critical time as Sudan strives to rebuild its infrastructure and reconnect with the global economy. The primary focus of the discussion was the implementation of previously signed bilateral agreements to facilitate the movement of citizens and support cross-border trade.
A major point of the diplomatic engagement was the current status of Khartoum International Airport. Ambassador Hussein informed the Ethiopian delegation that the Sudanese capital is returning to normalcy and that state institutions have moved back to Khartoum. Most notably, he officially announced that the country’s primary aviation hub, Khartoum International Airport, is now ready for both domestic and international flights.
The reopening of Khartoum’s airspace is considered a major success for Sudan’s post-conflict recovery process. After years of disruption, the resumption of regular flights is expected to not only reduce transport costs for traders but also provide significant relief to citizens who were previously forced to take long journeys via land or through Port Sudan.
Representatives from Sudan’s private airlines, Badr and Tarco, were also present at the discussion. These airlines have played a vital role in recent years by connecting Sudan to the world, particularly by operating out of Port Sudan. Currently, Badr Airlines operates twice-weekly flights between Port Sudan and Addis Ababa and has established its own operational office in the Ethiopian capital. Meanwhile, Tarco Aviation launched its Port Sudan-Addis Ababa route in late 2025 and currently operates three flights a week to meet the high demand for commercial and diplomatic travel.
The talks aimed to expand these existing flights to the newly opened Khartoum route, creating a “triangular” connection that links the economic centers of both countries more effectively. Director General Yohannes Abera stated that Ethiopia follows the principle of reciprocity and desires for the airlines of both countries to have equal market opportunities.
This collaborative framework is intended to go beyond just flights, seeking to create a deep partnership between Sudan’s airlines and Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier on the continent.
Information from the Sudanese delegation indicated that the development of civil air transport is more than just about flying; it is a bridge for culture and the economy. By regulating this sector according to bilateral agreements, both nations aim to protect mutual interests and ensure the benefits of this partnership reach ordinary citizens.
The timing of this discussion carries strategic importance. As Ethiopia expands its domestic and international reach—including the recently launched Bishoftu International Airport project—strengthening ties with neighboring Sudan opens a major gateway to the North African market. For Sudan, this partnership provides an opportunity to connect to the world through Ethiopian Airlines’ vast international network.
Industry experts suggest that if the planned flight expansions are implemented by mid-2026, trade exchange between the two countries, particularly in agriculture and light manufacturing sectors, could increase significantly.
