Somali Airlines set to resume flights before year-end, minister confirms

Somali Airlines will resume operations before the end of this year, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah Nuuh, has said. (Photo: Wikipedia)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Monday, October 27, 2025

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah Nuuh said the aircraft and all related equipment for the national carrier are ready and that the official relaunch will take place within the remaining months of 2025.

Somali Airlines will resume operations before the end of this year, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah Nuuh, said. Mohamed explained that the aircraft and all related equipment for the national carrier are ready and that the official relaunch will take place within the remaining months of 2025.

“I want to tell the Somali people that I am happy to announce we will re-launch Somali Airlines before the end of this year,” said Minister Mohamed during a press briefing in Mogadishu.

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He explained that the revival of Somali Airlines forms part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen the country’s aviation sector and improve air transport infrastructure. The minister said that the government has made progress in acquiring aircraft, preparing staff, and restoring key operational systems required for the relaunch.

The minister also spoke about plans to improve the condition of airports across Somalia. He said that Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, along with other regional airfields, needs major refurbishment to meet international standards.

“Seventy-two airports are in need of repair and modernisation,” he said.

He added that the government is already undertaking work on several facilities.

“We need to show the world that our airports can be trusted and make them at least comparable to those of our neighbouring countries, if not developed nations. Currently, 15 airports across the country are undergoing renovations, some of which are nearing completion. The Somali people and politicians must respect the rule of law and avoid disrupting airport operations,” he said.

The announcement follows a decision made in July 2025, when the Somali government confirmed the purchase of two Airbus A320 jets as part of its efforts to restore the national airline.

The acquisition of the two aircraft marked a major milestone in the revival of Somali Airlines, which had been inactive for more than thirty years following the collapse of the central government in 1991.

Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines previously operated routes linking Mogadishu with major cities across East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Its operations were suspended during the civil war, which led to the breakdown of most national institutions and services.

Since then, Somalia has relied on international and regional airlines for connectivity. Carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, and Qatar Airways have maintained routes into Somalia, while regional airlines including Daallo Airlines, Freedom Airline Express, Jubba Airways, and African Express Airways have provided domestic and regional services. However, the country has not had a national flag carrier since 1991.

Minister Mohamed said that the two Airbus A320S will form the initial fleet of the relaunched airline, with additional aircraft to follow.

“This company will be operational, God willing, within two months. We have acquired two aircraft, which will be flown in for us, and after these two are deployed, they will be followed by two more,” he said during a July 28 press conference.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has also been working to strengthen the regulatory environment in preparation for the airline’s return. The authority has taken steps to fully regain management of Somali airspace, which had previously been controlled externally for security and administrative reasons. The move is seen as an important foundation for the sustainable operation of the national carrier.