Nairobi, Kenya | October 19, 2026 — Jubba Airways is targeting the first week of December 2026 to launch direct flights between Nairobi and Khartoum, Sudan, in a move aimed at reducing travel time and costs while restoring a key air link between the two countries.
The proposed service will operate twice a week using a Fokker 70 aircraft configured with 70 economy-class seats and six business-class seats, subject to final operational arrangements.
Speaking during a meeting at the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi on Monday, October 19, the airline’s Director of Business Development and Rescue Coordination, Captain Sajjad Nasser Somji, said the direct route would provide passengers with a faster alternative to connecting flights through regional and international hubs.
He said the airline had renewed its focus on the route after assessing the challenges faced by passengers travelling between Kenya and Sudan.
“I understand the consumers are going via other carriers, and it’s costing them a lot, and it’s adding hours on their travel time,” Somji said.
Proposed Nairobi–Khartoum Fares Set at $900 for Economy
The airline is considering fares of approximately $900 for economy class and $1,500 for business class, although the final ticket prices have yet to be confirmed.
Somji said the proposed rates were intended to position the direct service competitively against existing travel options, with the airline’s General Sales Agent (GSA) expected to play a role in determining the final pricing.
“We haven’t decided on the prices yet, but we’ll make that official very soon. But hypothetically, you’re looking at around $1,500 for business, and you’re looking at around $900 on economy,” he said.
Direct Flights Could Cut Travel Time to Three and a Half Hours
The proposed route is expected to significantly reduce the time passengers spend travelling between Nairobi and Sudan, where connecting flights can involve lengthy stopovers.
Somji said passengers travelling through Addis Ababa could face layovers lasting between eight and 12 hours, with total journey times extending to between 10 and 18 hours, depending on connections and operational circumstances.
By contrast, the direct flight is expected to take approximately three and a half hours each way, providing a more convenient option for business travellers, families and other passengers.
The airline believes the service could particularly benefit businesspeople who need to attend meetings in Sudan and return to Kenya without spending extended periods in transit.
Under the preliminary schedule discussed during Monday’s meeting, departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi would take place in the morning or around midday, depending on the operating day, with return flights from Khartoum planned for later the same day.
Airline Assesses Safety Conditions Ahead of Khartoum Route Launch
Safety remains a central consideration as the airline prepares for the proposed launch of direct flights to Khartoum.
Somji said the company was working closely with the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi, with Ambassador Kamal Gubara Mohamed also engaging his counterpart in Sudan as discussions on the proposed service continued.
The airline is reviewing pilot reports and other operational information to assess prevailing safety conditions for flights to Khartoum and Port Sudan before proceeding with the planned launch.
Direct Air Link Could Support Sudan’s Tourism Revival
Beyond business and humanitarian travel, the proposed service could help improve access to Sudan’s tourism destinations and support efforts to revive the sector.
Somji highlighted the River Nile, the Red Sea and destinations such as Port Sudan and Marawi as areas with tourism potential, arguing that improved air connectivity could help attract visitors as the country works towards recovery.
He acknowledged that parts of Sudan would require rebuilding but maintained that a direct connection with Nairobi could make travel more accessible and encourage renewed interest in the country.
The airline is also hoping to tap into demand from people travelling to visit relatives during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Proposed Service Could Create Jobs for Kenyans and Sudanese
The planned flights could also create employment opportunities for Kenyan and Sudanese nationals, according to Somji.He said the airline intended to recruit personnel from the countries it serves, with particular attention to Kenyan employment opportunities because the company is based in Kenya.
“We are a Kenyan-based airline. So, obviously, we’re going to make sure that there are work opportunities for Kenyans. Whilst we fly Sudan, we’re going to make sure there are work opportunities for Sudanese people,” he said.
The proposed aircraft operation is expected to require two pilots, one engineer and approximately three or four cabin crew members, although the final staffing arrangements remain subject to operational requirements.
Somji added that the airline would seek to include crew members who speak both languages to improve communication and passenger comfort during flights.
December Launch Awaits Final Operational and Commercial Arrangements
Preparations for the proposed Nairobi–Khartoum service are approximately 90 per cent complete, according to the airline, with the first week of December remaining the target launch period.
However, the inaugural flight date, final ticket prices and definitive weekly timetable are yet to be announced.
The launch will depend on the completion of commercial arrangements, passenger demand, coordination with travel agents, operational readiness and the necessary aviation and security requirements.
If introduced as planned, the service would offer passengers a direct alternative to connecting flights between Nairobi and Khartoum, potentially reducing journey times while facilitating business travel, humanitarian operations and family visits.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting at the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi on Monday, October 19, chaired by Sudanese Ambassador to Kenya Kamal Gubara Mohamed and attended by representatives of the embassy and Jubba Airways.