South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
A member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has expressed deep concern over the recent suspension of flights by FlyDubai to South Sudan.
In March, FlyDubai announced it will suspend flights to and from Juba starting April 17, 2025.
The FlyDubai which has been providing direct flights between Juba and Dubai since 2013 did not give reasons for the suspension.
Eng. Boutros Monani Magaya, who doubles as head of the Specialized Sub-committee on the Ministry of Petroleum and the National Oil and Gas Commission, said the cancellation of flights will have major ramifications on the economy and the aviation industry.
“This decision is a significant setback for our nation, particularly in terms of our connectivity to the global community, economic growth, and the convenience of our citizens and visitors,” wrote Monani in a letter addressed to Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel on 2 April 2025.
Monani stated that FlyDubai has been a vital partner in providing essential air transport services to South Sudan, facilitating trade, tourism, and the movement of people between Juba and the rest of the world.
“The suspension of their operations is not just a logistical inconvenience but a stark reminder of the challenges we must urgently address to improve our aviation sector,” he said.
Monani appealed to Bol to address what he called the ‘poor state’ of Juba International Airport, due to inadequate infrastructure, outdated facilities, and inefficiencies in management.
He disclosed that the poor state of Juba International Airport reflects on the nation’s image and undermines the country’s ability to attract and retain global partners.
“The burden of excessive taxation on airlines operating in South Sudan has been a recurring complaint by international carriers,” said Monani.
Monani, who is also an assistant professor of civil and structural engineering at the University of Juba, noted that while revenue generation is important, it shouldn’t be too high as it discourages international carriers.
“High taxes make it economically unviable for airlines to continue operations, ultimately harming our economy. High taxes can significantly impact an airline’s bottom line, making certain routes less economically viable. This is especially true for routes where passenger demand may not be as high,” he revealed.
Monani underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies with airlines to create mutually beneficial frameworks to address their issues.
“The government must prioritize the modernization and expansion of Juba International Airport to meet international standards. This includes upgrading terminals, runways, terminals, and navigation systems, as well as improving overall management practices,” he said.
Monani also called for a review of taxation policies levied against international carriers such as FlyDubai.
“We must reassess our taxation policies to ensure they are competitive and fair. A conducive tax environment will encourage airlines to operate in South Sudan, boosting our economy and enhancing our global connectivity,” he disclosed.
Dubai, the commercial capital of the UAE, is a premier destination for investment, international trade, tourism, and medical tourism.
It has established itself as a key hub for conducting business transactions related to South Sudan.
