Ethiopia Seen Poised to Seal Air Services Agreement With South Sudan This Month

(Photo Credit: Birr Metrics)

Ethiopia is expected to sign a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with South Sudan in April 2026, following high level talks in Addis Ababa aimed at strengthening cooperation in aviation regulation, safety oversight and institutional capacity building.

A South Sudanese delegation held discussions with the Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Yohannes Abera, alongside senior Ethiopian aviation officials, focusing on experience sharing, aviation security cooperation and broader international air transport relations.

South Sudan’s delegation, led by its ambassador designate and senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, said the mission focused on experience sharing, aviation security, and broader international aviation cooperation. Officials also highlighted the need for structured support to strengthen regulatory systems and institutional capacity in the country’s aviation sector.

During the talks, South Sudan officials urged the formal signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Ethiopia, describing it as a key step toward establishing a formal framework for air transport cooperation between the two countries.

Yohannes said Ethiopia’s long standing aviation experience, spanning more than 80 years, positioned it to support emerging aviation institutions in the region. He added that strong regulatory systems are essential for airline development and safe air transport operations.

He also pointed to the strategic importance of South Sudan’s airspace for Ethiopian operations, noting that several westbound routes pass through the country, making coordination on safety and air navigation critical.

The two sides are expected to conclude and sign the agreement later this month, a move that would formalise bilateral air transport relations and potentially expand operational links between Addis Ababa and Juba.

The talks also referenced the establishment of South Sudan Airlines, developed with support from the Ethiopian Airlines Group, as part of South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to develop its national aviation capacity.

Source: https://birrmetrics.com/ethiopia-seen-poised-to-seal-air-services-agreement-with-south-sudan-this-month/