Experts Urge Expansion of Sudanair Fleet & Lifting EU Aviation Ban

Sudanhorizon – Hala Hamza

Civil aviation experts and economists have affirmed the possibility of the Sudanese government submitting a new request to Heathrow Airport authorities to grant Sudan Airways (Sudanair) new landing and takeoff slots.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris had pointed, while receiving the Sudanair aircraft arriving from Port Sudan to Khartoum at Khartoum Airport the day before yesterday, to the prospect of restoring Sudan Airways’ Heathrow route once again.

Former Director of the Civil Aviation Authority and aviation expert Ibrahim Adlan put forward a proposal urging the government to work on establishing a new route to London that meets international specifications and standards, and is based on sound commercial, technical, and legal foundations.

In remarks to Sudanhorizon, Adlan said the Prime Minister’s statement regarding the restoration of the route could be viewed as a window of intent—nothing more—which, if properly leveraged, could lead to a correct path beginning with restoring the airworthiness of Sudanese aircraft, lifting the European ban, and implementing deep reforms in the aviation safety system, oversight, and compliance with ICAO standards.

Adlan stressed that a clear reality must be stated: any aircraft bearing the Sudanese flag or registered in Sudan is strictly prohibited from flying in European airspace under the ban issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Economist Dr. Haitham Fathi told Sudanhorizon that following the Prime Minister’s statements, Sudanair will face several challenges, foremost among them the European ban on Sudanese civil aviation and the lack of a sufficient aircraft fleet. He called on the government to give greater attention to the airline and to support the national carrier.

A former union official at Sudan Airways told Sudanhorizon that the government faces major challenges even if it succeeds in restoring the Heathrow route, notably the European ban on Sudanese civil aviation entering EU territory and the shortage of aircraft in the fleet.

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