By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has suspended several aircraft operating in the country after inspections uncovered technical faults and failures to comply with international aviation safety standards.
The move follows a Feb. 10 incident involving Starsky Aviation, when one of its aircraft experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from Aden Adde International Airport. The plane reportedly overshot the runway upon landing and came to rest near the Indian Ocean shoreline. All 55 passengers and crew survived, but the episode heightened concerns over maintenance standards and regulatory oversight.
The SCAA said the suspensions were based on findings that certain aircraft failed to meet safety benchmarks established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Authorities did not disclose how many aircraft were grounded or which operators were affected.
In response, the regulator said it is intensifying enforcement measures as Somalia’s aviation sector expands amid broader regional economic integration. New oversight will cover cabin configurations, seat dimensions, service standards and rating procedures, with the stated goal of safeguarding passenger rights and aligning operations with international norms.
The announcement comes as passengers on the busy Mogadishu–Nairobi route raise concerns over high fares and cramped conditions. Round-trip tickets typically range from $400 to $450 for a flight lasting about 90 minutes. Travelers have reported that some airlines deploy smaller aircraft with tightly spaced seating to maximize capacity, limiting legroom and comfort.
Somalia’s aviation industry has grown alongside the country’s gradual stabilization and reintegration into regional markets. However, the latest action underscores persistent challenges in safety compliance, market competition and consumer protection.
