Somali Airlines Nears Relaunch as Somalia Rebuilds Aviation Sector
Somalia’s federal government plans to relaunch Somali Airlines before the end of 2025, according to transport and civil aviation minister Mohamed Farah Nuh, who made the announcement during International Civil Aviation Day celebrations in Mogadishu on December 7. He said the airline’s board of management has been established, a regulatory framework is in place, agreements have been reached with international partners, and modern aircraft have been acquired, paving the way for the national carrier’s return.
In July 2025, the Somali government said it had purchased two Airbus A320-200 aircraft for the initial phase of the relaunch, with a further two to three aircraft planned for delivery in 2026 as part of a phased fleet expansion. Officials said the aircraft were sourced from Lima Holding Group, although the lessor and specific airframes have not been independently verified.
Nuh also disclosed that four additional international airlines are expected to begin serving Somalia, though their identities were not revealed. Mogadishu already has international service from 13 carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Uganda Airlines, EgyptAir, several Kenyan operators, as well as Air Djibouti and Daallo Airlines.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines suspended operations in 1991 following the outbreak of civil war. Its planned revival comes amid a broader transformation of Somalia’s aviation sector. The country has regained control of its Class A airspace, restored full air traffic control services, and upgraded Mogadishu to ICAO’s highest safety and security standards. Digital border systems, including e-visas and mandatory electronic travel authorisation for inbound passengers, were introduced in 2025.
Authorities have also expanded aircraft aprons, refurbished runways and terminals, strengthened regulatory oversight, and rejoined IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan after more than three decades, marking a key step toward reintegrating Somalia into the global aviation system.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com