Somalia’s national carrier is expected to resume flights in mid‑September 2026, ending a 35‑year hiatus that began with the collapse of the central government. Ahmed Ma’allin, director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), said final preparations are complete, marking Somali Airlines’ first commercial operations since 1991.
Rebuilding efforts accelerate
The relaunch follows several earlier attempts to revive the airline, including the government’s 2025 acquisition of two Airbus A320 aircraft and multiple missed targets for restarting operations. Officials say the latest timeline reflects more comprehensive progress in rebuilding regulatory systems, operational capacity and aviation oversight after decades of disruption.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines operated regional and international routes before its shutdown during the collapse of the central government and the outbreak of civil war. Since then, there have been calls for a relaunch. A key step came in July 2025, when the government secured two Airbus A320 aircraft under an agreement signed at Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office. Earlier targets for restarting operations in 2025 were missed, but officials say the latest timeline reflects more comprehensive progress.
Safety and regulatory groundwork
For a successful relaunch, the airline must meet strict safety and regulatory standards, training personnel, and establishing systems for maintenance, insurance, flight planning and airport support. These efforts form part of Somalia’s wider push to rebuild aviation oversight and infrastructure.
A functioning national carrier is expected to strengthen Somalia’s connectivity, particularly for its large diaspora, while supporting trade and creating jobs across aviation and related industries. Somali Airlines will operate alongside international carriers already serving Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
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