Abrupt Halt Leaves Passengers and Airlines in Limbo
The United Arab Emirates has barred all Sudanese aircraft from landing at its airports, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced Wednesday via the state news agency SUNA. Airlines flying between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi have been instructed to suspend services immediately, catching both carriers and travelers off guard.
The CAA said it is working with airlines to rebook affected passengers, but acknowledged the abrupt halt has created logistical challenges. One Sudanese airways was reportedly blocked from departing Abu Dhabi International Airport, prompting frantic negotiations to secure its return.
Abu Dhabi authorities have not issued any public statement explaining the ban. The sudden move reflects deepening diplomatic tensions that have strained relations since May, when Sudan severed formal ties with the UAE.
In May 2025, Khartoum accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary faction locked in a bitter conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023. Sudan’s junta alleges that the RSF has received advanced weaponry from Gulf states, prolonging urban and rural warfare that has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The UAE has consistently denied these allegations. Nonetheless, the aviation freeze marks a sharp escalation in a feud that has turned former regional partners into adversaries.
Impact on Passengers and Regional Aviation
- Airlines operating between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi must now reroute or cancel flights.
- Sudanese authorities are liaising with carriers to rebook displaced travelers.
- Cargo shipments and medical evacuations face potential delays pending diplomatic reprieve.
Travel agents and affected passengers report mounting frustration as ticket refunds and alternate routings remain uncertain. Some have been forced to travel via third-country hubs, significantly increasing travel time and cost.
The UAE’s decision highlights the complex interplay of regional interests in the Horn of Africa. As the civil war in Sudan intensifies, Gulf states’ involvement is coming under increasing scrutiny. Analysts warn that cutting aviation links could further isolate Sudan’s fragile economy and complicate humanitarian aid deliveries.
Observers suggest that the ban may be used as leverage in broader negotiations or as a signal of the UAE’s willingness to intensify pressure on Khartoum. Meanwhile, passengers and airlines await clarity on when and if flight routes will reopen.
