Oman’s SalamAir Boosts Gulf-Africa Connectivity with New Port Sudan Route

Oman-based low-cost carrier SalamAir has expanded its African footprint by launching direct flights between Muscat and Port Sudan, marking a milestone as the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) airline to resume commercial links with Sudan after a prolonged hiatus. The new service, operated three times weekly using Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, significantly enhances air connectivity between Sudan and the Gulf region through the strategic hub of Muscat.

This development represents a crucial step in reviving air travel and trade opportunities between East Africa and the Middle East, offering passengers and cargo operators more efficient access and fostering stronger economic ties. For the African aviation sector, SalamAir’s route reinstates a vital corridor that had been dormant due to regional instability and geopolitical challenges.

The tri-weekly flights provide increased options for both business and leisure travellers, linking Port Sudan’s growing port city to one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. The use of fuel-efficient, modern aircraft like the Airbus A320neo family reflects SalamAir’s commitment to sustainable operations while meeting rising demand for affordable, direct travel.

As the first GCC carrier to bridge this route since commercial services were suspended, SalamAir’s initiative is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Sudan and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It also signals broader opportunities for African destinations to reconnect with key Middle Eastern markets, leveraging competitive low-cost carriers and expanding route networks.

Industry observers anticipate that this service will encourage further airline interest in Sudan and neighboring regions, potentially spurring new partnerships and investments aimed at unlocking Africa’s aviation potential. For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, the restoration of this link offers fresh avenues to develop multi-destination itineraries and to better serve clients seeking seamless connections between the Gulf and East Africa.