By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu — In a landmark move to restore its national aviation sector, Somalia has bought two Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the first major step toward relaunching Somali Airlines—33 years after the carrier ceased operations amid the country’s collapse in 1991.
The announcement was made following the signing of the purchase agreement at the office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Farah Nuuh confirmed the deal and said the aircraft are expected to begin operations within two months under the Somali Airlines banner.
“This purchase marks the beginning of our national aviation revival,” Nuuh told reporters. “These aircraft are the foundation of Somali Airlines’ return, and the government is committed to reestablishing a carrier that meets international service and safety standards.”
More than just a logistical development, the relaunch of Somali Airlines symbolizes a broader national aspiration—to reclaim a piece of identity lost during the disintegration of the Somali state in the early 1990s.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines once served routes connecting Mogadishu with destinations across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Its operations were suspended following the outbreak of civil war, and since then, Somalia has lacked a functioning national carrier. International airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and flydubai, as well as regional operators like Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways, have filled the gap with both international and domestic services.
Minister Nuuh said the government plans to expand the fleet with two or three more aircraft by 2026. He emphasized the importance of utilizing Somali pilots and aviation professionals trained abroad, while also highlighting the vital role of the Somali diaspora in rebuilding the country’s aviation sector.
The airline’s revival follows significant progress in aviation governance. In 2018, Somalia began regaining control of its airspace from international management under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In February 2023, the country fully restored its sovereign airspace under Category 1 classification—allowing Somali-registered airlines to operate internationally in compliance with global aviation standards.
The return of Somali Airlines coincides with a broader infrastructure push, including a $643 million international airport under construction in Warsheekh, northeast of Mogadishu. Unveiled in December 2024, the airport is designed to handle millions of passengers annually and will feature cargo terminals, customs processing zones, and aircraft maintenance facilities.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has hailed the airport project as a cornerstone for economic transformation, regional integration, and trade. Both initiatives are central to Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan, which identifies transport connectivity and infrastructure development as critical to the country’s recovery and long-term growth.
“This is about restoring an institution that connects Somalia to the world,” Nuuh said.
