Aviation History
Sudan Airways, established in 1946, is one of Africa's oldest airlines and once operated the pioneering 'Blue Nile' long-haul route from Khartoum to London. Sudan's civil aviation sector has been severely disrupted since the civil war erupted in April 2023: Khartoum International Airport came under direct attack, with dozens of aircraft destroyed on the ground, and prolonged airspace closures crippled national air travel. As of this writing the situation remains fluid, with only limited flight activity resuming intermittently and no confirmed timeline for full commercial recovery at Khartoum.
Sudan Airways was founded, beginning scheduled operations the following year with de Havilland Doves; it became one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in Africa.
Sudan Airways introduced long-haul service connecting Khartoum to London via Rome, marking its expansion into intercontinental routes.
Sudan Airways became the first airline in Africa to operate the Fokker F27 turboprop.
The Sudanese government privatized part of Sudan Airways while retaining a 30% stake, before returning it to full state ownership in 2012.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces that began in April 2023 directly hit Khartoum International Airport; reporting has documented roughly 28 aircraft destroyed on the ground and extended closure of Sudanese airspace. This is an ongoing, volatile situation subject to change.
Sporadic civilian and government flights have resumed at Khartoum amid continued instability, but full commercial aviation recovery remains uncertain as conditions on the ground continue to evolve.
Sudan Airways
Wikipedia, Sudan Tribune, ch-aviation reporting (note: Sudan aviation conditions are volatile and subject to rapid change amid ongoing conflict)