Somali Airlines set to resume flights after 35-year gap

Somali Airlines is expected to resume commercial flights next month after a 35-year interruption, capping years of planning and signaling a new phase in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its aviation sector and national institutions.

National carrier prepares for long-awaited return

Publicly available information indicates that the government-backed revival of Somali Airlines has moved from symbolic steps to final operational preparations. The carrier, which originally halted operations in 1991 amid state collapse and conflict, has been formally reconstituted and equipped with newly acquired Airbus jets intended for regional passenger services.

Specialist aviation coverage notes that two Airbus A320 aircraft were secured in mid 2025 as part of the reboot plan, with the airline described as being in the last stages of readiness by late 2025. Although earlier timelines to begin flying before the end of last year slipped, recent regional aviation bulletins for 2026 describe the project as close to launch and working through final regulatory and safety requirements.

Local and regional media reports, as well as online aviation databases, describe the new Somali Airlines as a government-owned flag carrier based at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The initial business model is widely expected to focus on short and medium haul routes that can be served efficiently by the A320 narrowbody fleet.

Enthusiasm among Somalis at home and abroad has been visible in community and diaspora discussions, where the prospect of seeing the country’s flag on a national airline again is often framed as a powerful symbol of sovereignty and normalisation after decades of turmoil.

From grounded fleet to renewed investment

Somali Airlines was founded in 1964 and for years connected Mogadishu with destinations in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and parts of Europe. That network vanished in 1991 as war shattered airports, disrupted state institutions and rendered a state-owned carrier all but impossible to operate safely or commercially.

In the decades that followed, a patchwork of private Somali-owned airlines and foreign carriers gradually filled the gap, restoring basic connectivity for passengers and cargo. Analysts note that these private operators have played an important role in keeping air links open during Somalia’s most difficult years, often flying to secondary cities that lacked alternative transport options.

The national carrier’s revival, however, has been a long running ambition in Mogadishu. Attempts date back at least a decade, but only in the mid 2020s did a combination of improved security, stronger public finances and closer oversight of the country’s airspace create the conditions for a serious relaunch effort.

A key turning point was Somalia’s restoration of full control over its sovereign airspace and the upgrading of air traffic control services, which regional aviation observers describe as essential prerequisites for a credible national airline. These steps have encouraged new investment in airport infrastructure, training and safety oversight that underpin the latest push to bring Somali Airlines back to the skies.

Regulatory focus on safety and oversight

The expected restart of flights comes as Somalia’s authorities tighten oversight of aviation safety and airline performance. Government communiqués from early 2026 describe a stepped-up program of audits, training and regulatory reform, including the creation of committees tasked with reviewing airline quality, maintenance standards and service delivery.

African civil aviation publications report that the Somali Civil Aviation Authority has been working to align national rules more closely with international safety norms. This includes improved licensing of operators, enhanced inspection regimes and cooperation with regional aviation organizations on issues such as air navigation, security and accident investigation.

Sector analysts say these measures are especially important for a reborn flag carrier operating in a competitive and reputation-sensitive market. For Somali Airlines, convincing travelers, insurers and partners that it meets international standards will be as critical as aircraft deliveries or route announcements.

Industry commentary also points out that delays in the airline’s launch timeline appear to reflect the complexity of meeting these regulatory and technical benchmarks, rather than a lack of political support. Framing the projected start of flights next month, experts suggest that a cautious, phased entry into service may help the carrier build a safety record and operational reliability from the outset.

Route strategy and regional connectivity

While a detailed timetable has not yet been placed in the public domain, available reporting suggests that Somali Airlines is likely to begin with high demand routes linking Mogadishu to major Somali cities and nearby regional hubs. Aviation analysts expect early destinations to include key points in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf, reflecting long-established travel, trade and migration patterns.

Economic observers argue that a functioning flag carrier could complement, rather than replace, the private airlines that currently dominate Somali skies. A national airline may be well placed to develop interline agreements, cross-border partnerships and through-ticketing arrangements that deepen connectivity for passengers travelling beyond the region.

Business groups and diaspora communities are watching closely for route announcements, seeing potential benefits in more predictable schedules, unified branding and the convenience of flying on a Somali-registered carrier. At the same time, commentators note that the airline will face strong competition from established regional players that already operate extensive networks into and out of Somalia.

For tourism and investment promotion, the return of a national carrier is seen as an important signaling tool. A visible Somali presence at international airports, coupled with improved visa and security procedures, could help reshape perceptions of the country as it seeks to attract visitors, investors and conferences.

Symbol of wider state-building and recovery

Beyond the technicalities of aircraft, routes and schedules, the relaunch of Somali Airlines is widely interpreted as part of a broader state-building narrative. In recent years Somalia has restored its national postal service, invested in digital infrastructure and taken steps to rebuild regulatory agencies that lapsed during decades of conflict.

Commentators in regional media frequently portray the airline’s comeback as emblematic of this wider recovery, arguing that a national carrier encapsulates everything from administrative capacity and financial management to international trust and cooperation. The sight of a Somali-branded aircraft at foreign airports is seen by many as a statement that the country is reclaiming its place in the aviation map.

Analysts also caution that the airline’s success is not guaranteed. High fuel costs, currency fluctuations, security considerations and intense competition all pose challenges, especially for a carrier re-entering the market after a long absence. Careful management, transparent finances and strong governance are likely to be decisive in determining whether the new Somali Airlines can sustain operations in the long term.

As the expected launch window next month approaches, travelers and industry observers alike will be watching for the first firm schedules and inaugural flights. For Somalia, getting Somali Airlines off the ground again would mark another visible milestone in a long and unfinished journey toward stability, connectivity and economic renewal.