(MENAFN) Somalia’s government has announced that national carrier Somali Airlines will restart operations before the end of 2025, marking more than three decades since the airline was grounded during the country’s civil war.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah made the announcement at a press conference in Mogadishu on Sunday.

“I am pleased to announce to the Somali people that we will relaunch Somali Airlines before the end of this year, God willing,” Farah said, according to a local news agency.

The minister outlined the government’s broader aviation strategy, which includes upgrades to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu and improvements at airports nationwide. Farah said 72 airports across Somalia are in urgent need of renovation, with 15 currently under maintenance.

“We need to show the world that our airports are safe and reliable,” he added. “If we can’t yet reach the standards of developed countries, we should at least match those of our neighbors.”

In July, the Somali government announced the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft. “This isn’t just about two new Airbus A320s acquired today; it’s a powerful symbol of our nation’s incredible journey of resilience, rebuilding, and renewed national pride,” Farah said.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also laid the foundation stone in June for a new airport in Mogadishu’s Haawaay district. Earlier this year, Somalia joined the East African Community’s Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA).

Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines once connected Mogadishu with key destinations across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The airline ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the government and the outbreak of civil war.

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