Khartoum: The Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority announced that the United Arab Emirates has imposed a ban on Sudanese planes, preventing them from landing at any UAE airport. In addition to the ban, a Sudanese airliner was barred from taking off from Abu Dhabi, escalating ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations.

According to Sudanese officials, the measure has disrupted several flight schedules, leaving passengers stranded or requiring rebooking. Authorities in Sudan are currently working to accommodate affected travelers by coordinating with airlines and adjusting reservations.

This move by the UAE comes in the wake of Sudan's decision in May 2025 to cut diplomatic ties with the Gulf country. The Sudanese government had accused the UAE of supplying arms and drones to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group engaged in an extended civil conflict against Sudan’s armed forces. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. The UAE has repeatedly denied any involvement in the Sudanese civil war.

The UAE government has yet to issue an official response regarding the flight ban. The lack of comment leaves room for speculation over whether the ban is a retaliatory diplomatic step or part of broader security measures.

The aviation restrictions mark a significant downturn in what was once a cooperative relationship between Sudan and the UAE. The two countries had engaged in various development and trade partnerships for decades. However, the growing tensions fueled by the Sudanese conflict have now extended into civil aviation, affecting not only bilateral ties but also ordinary citizens who rely on travel between the two nations.

Observers note that this action could have ripple effects across the region, especially if other Gulf states choose to follow the UAE’s lead. The diplomatic fallout also adds a new dimension to the already complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Sudan’s internal crisis.