MOGADISHU — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has officially launched the restoration of the International Air Transport Association’s Billing and Settlement Plan (IATA-BSP), marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to rebuild its civil aviation sector after 35 years.
Speaking at the launch, the prime minister said the restoration followed years of sustained efforts, government institutional reforms, the development of relevant laws and policies, and the training of qualified personnel to manage civil aviation services.
Hamza highlighted Somalia’s progress in several areas, including economic growth, debt relief, accession to the East African Community (EAC), and the assumption of responsibility for national security.
He also emphasized the importance of rebuilding state institutions and improving coordination among government agencies, noting that Somalia has significant investment opportunities, particularly in transport, agriculture, and other productive sectors.
The prime minister said Somalia’s strategic geographic location, connecting different parts of the world, gives the country considerable potential to expand trade, investment, and international connectivity.
“We are committed to further developing and improving the quality of our national institutions. I am confident that we will catch up with the developed world, from which we have fallen behind over the past 30 years,” Hamza Abdi Barre said.
Government Urges Further Aviation Development
The prime minister praised the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority for their efforts, urging them to accelerate the development of airports, national airspace management, and aviation services.
He stressed that improving these services is essential to raising service standards for the public and airlines while strengthening Somalia’s connections with the rest of the world.
What the IATA-BSP Restoration Means
The restoration of the IATA-BSP system represents a step toward modernizing Somalia’s civil aviation services. The system provides a standardized framework through which participating airlines and accredited travel agents process airline ticket sales and settle payments.
Its return is expected to support more efficient ticketing and financial settlement procedures for participating airlines and travel agencies, while contributing to the broader development of Somalia’s aviation industry.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national institutions, improve transport infrastructure, and expand Somalia’s integration into international economic and transport networks.
