Sudan Airways is the national airline of Sudan, founded in 1946 and one of the oldest carriers on the African continent. Operating under the IATA code SD and ICAO code SUD, it is wholly owned by the Sudanese government and serves as the country's primary international and domestic air transport link. The airline has faced significant operational and financial challenges over the decades, including the impact of international sanctions on Sudan, which restricted its ability to acquire modern aircraft and spare parts. These difficulties have led to a reduced fleet and a curtailed route network compared to its earlier years of operation. Despite persistent difficulties, Sudan Airways continues to operate flights connecting Khartoum with destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and occasionally Europe, playing a critical role in the country's civil aviation infrastructure.