Sudan Airways Resumes Pilgrim Flights After Nine-Year Hiatus

What happened

Regional public source AllAfrica Sudan reports that Sudan Airways, the national airline, resumed its historic role of transporting Hajj pilgrims after a suspension lasting nine years, with its first flight carrying 100 pilgrims from Port Sudan International Airport to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah on May 17, 2026.

Captain Mazen Al-Awad, Director General of Sudan Airways, described the flight as a major step toward restoring the airline's longstanding pilgrim transport role for the 1447 AH Hajj season and highlighted the commitment to safe and comfortable travel supported by integrated operations and dedicated crews. He also expressed gratitude to official partners and institutions that contributed to the initiative.

Al-Awad noted that the resumption of flights is expected to help support Sudan’s national economy and reaffirm the airline’s dedication to future development. Sudan Airways Hajj official Al-Amin Abdel Sadig praised the initiative as an important milestone, thanking relevant ministries and the Supreme Council for Hajj and Umrah for their support.

Known from the source

• Sudan Airways had suspended pilgrim transport flights for nine years.
• On May 17, 2026, Sudan Airways operated its first post-suspension flight with 100 pilgrims from Port Sudan International Airport to Madinah.
• The flight was described by Sudan Airways officials as marking the return to its historic Hajj role.
• Sudan Airways cited partnerships with various official institutions and ministries in facilitating the initiative.

What remains unclear

While the report focuses on the Hajj flight resumption, it does not address broader issues relevant to the Sudan desk such as the security situation in Port Sudan or elsewhere, displacement, famine risks, or aid access challenges amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF.

What remains unclear: Confirm any security or operational risks affecting Sudan Airways flights from Port Sudan amid ongoing conflict. Verify if the reported flight resumption impacts displacement or humanitarian aid access in the region. Confirm official Sudanese government stances or statements on civil aviation during the conflict. Ensure correct transliteration and spelling of key Sudanese officials’ names and titles.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: AllAfrica Sudan. Open the source.