Somalia’s first female captain Yasmin Abdi Farah wins pilot of the year 2025
The award was presented at the Somali Travel and Tourism Expo 2025 in Mogadishu, where aviation professionals and industry leaders gathered to celebrate milestones in the sector.
Captain Yasmin Abdi Farah, Somalia’s first female airline captain in more than three decades, has been named Somali Pilot of the Year for the second year running.
The award was presented at the Somali Travel and Tourism Expo 2025 in Mogadishu, where aviation professionals and industry leaders gathered to celebrate milestones in the sector.
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The honour reinforces her role as a pioneer in Somali aviation. In her acceptance speech, Captain Yasmin stressed that the award went beyond individual recognition.
“This is a testament for Somali women everywhere,” she told the audience. “It proves that women belong in the captain’s seat. Every time I take the controls of an aircraft, I carry more than passengers; I carry the hopes of young girls who dare to dream.”
Born in Wajir County, Kenya, Captain Yasmin has consistently broken barriers in a field long dominated by men. In March 2022, she became Somalia’s first female captain since the collapse of the central government in 1991, when she commanded her maiden Mandeeq Airlines flight from Mogadishu to Kismayo.
Historic moment
After landing at Sayid Mohamed Abdille Hassan International Airport, she called the moment historic.
“It is my first day as a captain, and I landed at Sayid Mohamed Abdille Hassan International Airport. I had several landings at this airport, but I was always the first officer in the right seat,” she said at the time.
Since then, she has continued to build on that milestone. Today, she commands flights across Somalia and Kenya with Maandeeq Airlines, carrying thousands of passengers each year. Her presence in the cockpit has become a powerful symbol of possibility for young women aspiring to aviation careers.
Maandeeq Airlines celebrated her latest recognition with a statement of pride.
“Maandeeq Air congratulates Captain Yasmin Abdi Farah on being awarded Somali Pilot of the Year 2025 for the second year in a row at the Somali Travel & Tourism Expo,” the airline said. “A true inspiration and a shining example of excellence in Somali aviation. Well done once again, captain.”
Her first Somali Pilot of the Year award came in 2024, when she was recognised for her leadership and for proving that women could reach senior positions in the industry.
Captain Yasmin’s journey reflects resilience and determination. Somalia’s aviation sector has faced decades of difficulty since the civil war, with few opportunities for training and advancement—especially for women.
By becoming the first Somali woman to attain captain status in nearly 35 years, she has redefined what is possible in a profession where female representation remains rare.
Observers note that her recognition is not only about her flying record but also her influence on the future of Somali aviation. Her achievements have been widely shared across Somali media and social networks, sparking national conversations about women’s roles in technical and leadership fields.
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