Somali Airlines plans relaunch with A320 purchase

The Somali government has announced the acquisition of two A320 aircraft, in an effort to revive Somali Airlines — more than thirty years after the national carrier halted operations.

The agreement was formalized this week at the office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, as confirmed by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh. The aircraft are expected to be operational within two months, restoring flights out of Mogadishu under the Somali Airlines name.

Looking ahead, Nuuh mentioned the government intends to acquire an additional two to three aircraft by 2026 as part of a phased expansion of the fleet.

In February 2023, Somalia successfully restored full control over its sovereign airspace, achieving a Category 1 classification that facilitates the resumption of formal operations for national carriers in accordance with international aviation laws.

The airline’s relaunch also coincides with a $643 million infrastructure initiative aimed at constructing a new international airport in Warsheekh, located northeast of the capital. The revitalization of both the airport and the airline is a key component of Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan.