By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudi Airlines, will begin direct commercial flights between Mogadishu and Riyadh, Somali aviation officials said, marking a major step forward for Somalia’s recovering aviation industry and strengthening ties between the two countries.
The announcement was made by the director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, who said the new route is expected to significantly improve travel connectivity, trade and economic cooperation between Somalia and Saudi Arabia.
“This direct link will facilitate easier movement for passengers and goods, while supporting broader economic and diplomatic engagement between the two nations,” Hassan said.
The new service is expected to benefit thousands of Somali business travelers, migrant workers and religious pilgrims, many of whom currently rely on indirect routes through regional hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Djibouti. Officials said the direct flights will reduce travel time and costs while improving access to Saudi Arabia, a key destination for Somali travelers.
The route is also expected to support religious travel, particularly for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, long considered a vital link between the two countries.
Somali officials said the launch of the direct flights reflects growing international confidence in Somalia’s aviation safety standards and improvements at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, which has undergone upgrades in security, navigation and passenger services in recent years.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Somalia’s most important regional partners, with long-standing diplomatic, religious and economic ties. The kingdom has played a significant role in humanitarian assistance, development support and religious exchanges with Somalia over several decades.
Aviation experts say the new route could pave the way for additional international airlines to resume or expand services to Mogadishu, further integrating Somalia into regional and global air networks.
