Somalia Suspends 11 Malawi Aircraft Over Safety Violations
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has grounded 11 aircraft registered in Malawi after ramp inspections uncovered significant regulatory violations, according to director-general Ahmed Hassan. The enforcement action, which took immediate effect, follows findings of non-compliance with Somalia’s national aviation regulations as well as international safety standards.
In a letter dated February 16, the SCAA informed operators that the affected aircraft had been removed from their respective air operator certificates (AOCs), citing serious safety deficiencies. The authority stated that the suspensions will remain in place until operators demonstrate full compliance with airworthiness and operational requirements.
While the SCAA did not publicly identify the operators involved, it confirmed that each was formally notified of the decision. In its communication, the authority emphasized that the deficiencies represented clear breaches of applicable national regulations. It warned that allowing the aircraft to continue operating would pose an unacceptable level of safety risk.
According to local media reports, inspections revealed multiple technical and operational shortcomings. These violations extended beyond domestic rules to include breaches of Standards and Recommended Practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly in areas related to aircraft operations and airworthiness oversight.
The SCAA reiterated that it is mandated to enforce compliance with ICAO standards and ensure that all operators flying within Somali airspace meet internationally recognized safety benchmarks. Aviation officials in Mogadishu indicated that most of the grounded aircraft are linked to smaller charter and cargo carriers operating domestic and humanitarian services. The action is widely viewed as part of a broader push by Somali authorities to strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance aviation safety standards.
The Malawi Civil Aviation Authority has been contacted for comment regarding the status of the affected aircraft and any potential corrective measures.
The move comes shortly after a separate aviation incident involving Starsky Airlines, whose sole Fokker 50 aircraft overran the runway while landing in Mogadishu on February 10. All 55 passengers and crew survived, but the event has intensified scrutiny of safety compliance within Somalia’s aviation sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com