Somali Airlines Returns After 34-Year Hiatus
After more than three decades, Somali Airlines is preparing for a long-anticipated return to the skies. The government of Somalia officially announced the revival of its national carrier on July 28, 2025, following approval by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and confirmation from Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh. The relaunch marks a significant milestone for Somalia’s aviation sector and national recovery.
Originally founded in 1964, Somali Airlines operated for over 25 years before suspending operations in 1991 due to the outbreak of the Somali Civil War. Since then, the nation has worked to rebuild its aviation infrastructure, culminating in the restoration of full control over its sovereign airspace and the achievement of a Category A classification from the International Civil Aviation Organization in January 2023.
As part of its revival, Somali Airlines has acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft, which are expected to enter service within the next two months. The aircraft were secured through a purchase agreement with the Lima Holding Group, according to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). The airline has also signaled plans to expand its fleet further, including the addition of larger jets for international routes.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm both at home and abroad. The Somali Embassy in Serbia expressed its support, calling the relaunch a powerful symbol of resilience and national pride for the Somali people. The return of the airline is seen not just as a commercial endeavor but as a cultural and political statement of progress and stability.
The relaunch also coincides with broader infrastructure development in Somalia, including the construction of a new international airport near the capital city of Mogadishu. The airport project, announced in 2024, saw its first foundation stone laid in June 2025 and is intended to support the country’s growing aviation needs.
The revival of Somali Airlines comes at a pivotal moment in Somalia’s economic and geopolitical trajectory, offering new opportunities for connectivity, trade, and tourism. With the return of its national airline, Somalia aims to reestablish itself on the global aviation map and provide new avenues for national and international travel.
As Somali Airlines prepares to take flight once more, the project symbolizes a broader national aspiration for recovery and forward momentum, reinforcing the government’s commitment to rebuilding its institutions and reconnecting Somalia with the world.
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