By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – Somalia’s federal government says it is nearing the final stage of reclaiming the country’s aviation domain by taking over the “flight information key” — a technical system that determines which state has authority over a nation’s airspace under international aviation rules.
The key, formally known as the Flight Information Region (FIR) Key, forms the backbone of global air navigation. It enables a country to guide aircraft entering, exiting or passing through its airspace, while also recording essential flight data such as navigation instructions, security advisories, weather updates and aircraft movements.
For more than three decades — since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991 — this system has been managed temporarily by international aviation organisations. The arrangement was put in place to ensure the safety and continuity of air travel after Somalia descended into civil conflict and lost the capacity to run its aviation authority.
Somali officials now say the country is on the verge of resuming full sovereign control of its upper airspace. Aviation authorities describe the FIR Key as vital not only for managing aircraft movements but also for strengthening national sovereignty, boosting economic prospects, and reinforcing Somalia’s international standing.
Once Somalia fully takes over the system, the government will be able to manage all aircraft movements through its skies. Officials say the country will also gain a significant source of revenue, as airlines generally pay fees for navigation services when flying over a nation’s airspace.
The development is widely seen as a strategic milestone, signalling Somalia’s improving stability and the gradual rebuilding of national institutions weakened during decades of conflict. Aviation experts say regaining control of the FIR Key marks both a symbolic and practical step toward Somalia reasserting full authority over its airspace.
