Somali Airlines Set to Take Flight Again After More Than 30 Years of Inactivity

Somali Airlines is set to resume operations after more than 30 years, with newly acquired Airbus A320s and major infrastructure investments symbolising Somalia's broader national recovery.

Somali Airlines is poised to make a historic return to the skies after over three decades of dormancy, marking a major milestone in the Horn of Africa nation’s long path to recovery. The Somali government has confirmed the acquisition of two Airbus A320 aircraft, with commercial flights scheduled to begin from Mogadishu within the next two months.

The relaunch of the national carrier, which ceased operations in the early 1990s following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, represents more than just the revival of an airline. For many Somalis, it is a powerful symbol of national resilience and renewed hope for a brighter future.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh announced the fleet acquisition, while Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office finalised the deal. Authorities see the return of Somali Airlines as a vital step towards reconnecting the country with regional markets and the broader international aviation community.

The airline’s revival is backed by a broader infrastructure strategy, including a $643 million government investment in a new international airport in Warsheekh, northeast of the capital. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to serve as a key hub for Somali Airlines and play a crucial role in boosting trade, tourism, and employment.

Somalia has also recently regained full control of its sovereign airspace for the first time in decades. In 2023, the country achieved a Category 1 classification under international aviation standards, further paving the way for safe and reliable operations by Somali Airlines and other carriers.

Minister Nuuh outlined an ambitious growth plan for the airline, with aims to expand the fleet by an additional two to three aircraft by 2026. The Airbus A320s, known for their fuel efficiency and reliability, will initially serve domestic and regional routes.

Established in 1964, Somali Airlines once connected the country to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Its return is not only intended to restore that legacy but also to lay the groundwork for a modern, competitive aviation industry.

The government has made it clear that Somali Airlines will be a cornerstone of the country’s broader economic and infrastructural revival. As the airline prepares to take flight once more, it carries with it the aspirations of a nation determined to reclaim its place on the global stage—one flight at a time.