Mogadishu (SOA) — The Somali government has announced the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of a bold plan to revive Somali Airlines, more than 30 years after the national carrier ceased operations in 1991.
The deal, signed at the office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, was confirmed by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Farah Nuuh, who said the aircraft would begin operations within two months—flying once again under the Somali Airlines livery.
“This marks the beginning of our national aviation revival,” said Nuuh. “We’re committed to reestablishing a carrier that meets international standards in safety and service.”
A Symbol of Recovery and National Identity
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines once connected Mogadishu to cities across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Operations halted during the civil war, leaving Somalia without a national carrier. Since then, international airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines, along with regional operators such as Jubba Airways and Daallo Airlines, have filled the gap.
The return of Somali Airlines is both a practical move to improve air connectivity and a symbolic effort to restore a key national institution.
A Competitive and Profitable Airspace
After more than 34 years of absence, Somali Airlines re-enters a highly competitive market. The Mogadishu route has proven to be profitable, attracting major players from the region and beyond. Leading regional carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Uganda Airlines operate regular services alongside EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, and Qatar Airways—a sign of strong demand and commercial opportunity in Somalia’s skies.
What’s Next?
The government plans to expand the fleet with 2–3 more aircraft by 2026. Somali pilots and aviation staff trained abroad will be recruited, with additional support expected from the Somali diaspora.
This revival follows years of groundwork by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), which regained full control of Somalia’s airspace in 2023 under ICAO Category 1 status—enabling the return of national carriers.
Tied to Broader Aviation Development
The airline’s comeback is part of a larger push that includes a $643 million new international airport under construction in Warsheekh, northeast of Mogadishu. Slated to be a major gateway for cargo and passenger traffic, it forms a cornerstone of Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan, which prioritizes infrastructure and air connectivity for economic recovery.
“This is about restoring an institution that connects Somalia to the world,” Minister Nuuh said.
Somali Aviation online