Somalia’s national carrier, Somali Airlines, is preparing to resume scheduled flights by mid-September 2026, marking the end of a suspension that has lasted over three decades.
According to Ahmed Ma’allin, Director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, the airline is in its final stages of preparation to restart operations. Somali Airlines ceased flying in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and the ensuing civil war.
Revival Efforts and Fleet Acquisition
The Somali government has announced several attempts to revive the airline in recent years, with previous target dates missed. In July 2025, an agreement was signed to acquire two Airbus A320 aircraft, intended as the foundation for rebuilding the carrier's fleet. Officials initially anticipated flights to resume by the end of 2025, but the launch was delayed to September 2026.
Operational and Regulatory Preparations
Restoring Somali Airlines involves more than securing aircraft. The airline must comply with safety and regulatory standards, obtain necessary approvals, and ensure qualified personnel are in place. Essential systems such as aircraft maintenance, insurance, flight planning, and airport services are being established to support regular operations.
Significance of the Airline’s Return
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines once connected Somalia with regional and international destinations. Its return is expected to enhance connectivity for Somali citizens and the diaspora, boost trade, and create jobs within the aviation sector and related industries.
Somalia’s broader aviation sector is also undergoing reconstruction, with authorities rebuilding regulatory and operational frameworks disrupted by decades of instability. This progress provides a supportive environment for the national carrier’s relaunch.
