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Somali Airlines to restart operations after thirty-year suspension
(MENAFN) Somalia’s government has announced that the national carrier, Somali Airlines, will restart operations before the end of 2025, more than 30 years after it was grounded amid the civil war, according to reports.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah made the announcement during a press briefing 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.
The minister also outlined a broader plan to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Major upgrades are planned for Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, along with renovations at other domestic airports. Farah noted that 72 airports require urgent work, with 15 already undergoing maintenance. “We need to show the world that our airports are safe and reliable,” he said. “If we can’t yet reach the standards of developed countries, we should at least match those of our neighbors.”
Earlier this year, the Somali government acquired 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 stated.
In June, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud laid the foundation for a new airport in Mogadishu’s Haawaay district. Somalia also joined the East African Community’s Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) earlier in 2025.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines previously connected Mogadishu to destinations across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, but it ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the government. Since then, international carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai have served the country, while local operators like Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways have handled regional and domestic flights.
The revival of the national airline comes amid a challenging security environment. The Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab has regained territory and launched attacks, and the government continues to contend with instability in Puntland, Jubaland, and the self-declared Somaliland region, as the nation prepares for the 2026 elections.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah made the announcement during a press briefing 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.
The minister also outlined a broader plan to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Major upgrades are planned for Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, along with renovations at other domestic airports. Farah noted that 72 airports require urgent work, with 15 already undergoing maintenance. “We need to show the world that our airports are safe and reliable,” he said. “If we can’t yet reach the standards of developed countries, we should at least match those of our neighbors.”
Earlier this year, the Somali government acquired 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 stated.
In June, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud laid the foundation for a new airport in Mogadishu’s Haawaay district. Somalia also joined the East African Community’s Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) earlier in 2025.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines previously connected Mogadishu to destinations across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, but it ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the government. Since then, international carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai have served the country, while local operators like Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways have handled regional and domestic flights.
The revival of the national airline comes amid a challenging security environment. The Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab has regained territory and launched attacks, and the government continues to contend with instability in Puntland, Jubaland, and the self-declared Somaliland region, as the nation prepares for the 2026 elections.
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