End of US sanctions breathes new life into Sudanese airline

Sudanese carrier Sun Air is resuming flights to four destinations as the African country looks to shed its pariah status and rebuild the economy after years of US sanctions. The family-owned airline has opened a route to South Sudan and plans to fly to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Vice President Mohammed Saif said Wednesday. The company also operated two evacuation flights from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover, he said. That illustrated Sudan’s improved relationship with the US after the nation’s removal from a list of state sponsors of terrorism after 27 years in 2020. “We decided to relaunch earlier this year after the complete removal of U.S. sanctions,” said Saif, whose father is the founder and main owner. “The Sudanese government is doing good things in terms of turning back to the international community.” Sudan is looking for growth after decades of mismanagement and lost oil wealth under former President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted by the army following an uprising two years ago. The revived carrier could eventually help to establish Khartoum as a hub after losing ground to Ethiopian Airlines Group’s base in Addis Ababa, if it can add enough destinations, Saif said.<br/>