Azza Air Transport
A Sudanese cargo airline that operated charter services across Africa and the Middle East.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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History
Azza Transport Company, commonly referred to as Azza Air Transport, was established in Sudan in 1993 and commenced operations in September of that year. The airline was headquartered in Khartoum and used Khartoum International Airport as its main base. Its operating model was centered on cargo charter services rather than a conventional scheduled passenger network. The company served freight markets in Africa and the Middle East and was reported to be considering expansion into Europe. The airline’s reported ownership linked it to Omdurman National Bank, Shaikan Insurances, and Sheikan Insurance. It was also reported to employ approximately 350 people. Its aircraft fleet included cargo-configured Antonov An-12 and An-26 aircraft and Ilyushin Il-76TD heavy freighters. These aircraft types were suited to transporting bulk freight, oversized loads, and cargo to airports with varying levels of infrastructure. Azza’s history became closely associated with Sudan’s conflict in Darfur and the international restrictions imposed in response to that conflict. In May 2007, the United States Department of State placed Azza Transport Company among Sudanese companies subject to economic sanctions. The stated allegation was that the airline had been involved in transferring small arms, ammunition, and artillery to Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militia in Darfur. In May 2009, United Nations observers reported that an Azza aircraft carried more than one hundred Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport in Darfur. The observers considered the movement inconsistent with international sanctions. The company was involved in two recorded fatal accidents. On 21 October 2009, a Boeing 707-330C freighter operating Azza Flight 2241 crashed while taking off from Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. All six crew members died. On 7 October 2012, an Antonov An-12 registered ST-ASA crashed after departing Khartoum while performing a military flight. The aircraft reportedly experienced failure of both engines on its left wing. The available reference material does not establish whether the airline subsequently ceased operations, was formally dissolved, or continued under another structure. Its present status therefore remains uncertain.
- 2012
ST-ASA accident
[1]An Azza-operated Antonov An-12 crashed after takeoff from Khartoum during a military flight following reported failure of both engines on its left wing.
- 2009
United Nations observers report Darfur transport activity
[1]United Nations observers reported an Azza aircraft transporting Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport.
- 2009
Flight 2241 accident
[1]An Azza Boeing 707 freighter crashed during takeoff at Sharjah International Airport, killing all six crew members.
- 2007
Added to United States sanctions list
[1]The United States Department of State included Azza Transport Company among sanctioned Sudanese firms over alleged transfers of weapons and artillery connected with the Darfur conflict.
- 1993
Company established
[1]Azza Transport Company was established in Sudan.
- 1993
Operations begin
[1]The airline began operating in September, focusing on cargo charter services.
Products and positioning
A Sudanese air-freight and charter operator focused on cargo transportation across regional African and Middle Eastern markets.
Air freight · 1993
Cargo charter services
Azza’s core commercial activity was chartered air-freight transportation. The airline operated cargo flights across Africa and the Middle East, using freighter aircraft suited to bulk, heavy, and specialized loads. The available material also states that the company was planning services to Europe, but does not confirm that a European operation was launched.
Charter aviation
Military and government air transport
The airline’s aircraft were also reported in connection with military transport activity. United Nations observers described an Azza aircraft carrying Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Darfur in 2009. The available sources do not define this activity as a separately marketed product line.
Controversies
2009
Reported transport of military personnel and equipment to Darfur
United Nations observers reported that an Azza aircraft transported more than one hundred Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport, an activity they considered contrary to international sanctions.
2007
United States sanctions over alleged weapons transfers
The United States Department of State sanctioned Azza Transport Company in May 2007, alleging that it had transferred small arms, ammunition, and artillery to Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militia in Darfur.
Sources1 sources
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