Somali Airlines is preparing to resume operations next month, after a hiatus of nearly 35 years since the collapse of the state and the outbreak of civil war in 1991.
The Somali government said the company is preparing to return to service as part of broader efforts to revive state institutions and strengthen the air transport sector, which is of great importance to connecting Somalia to regional and international markets and supporting trade and investment.
In preparation for resuming flights, Somalia recently acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft to provide the necessary fleet for the national carrier. The airline is expected to initially focus on connecting Mogadishu with several regional destinations, with a gradual expansion of its flight network planned.
The return of Somali Airlines comes at a time when Mogadishu International Airport is experiencing increased activity, with flights operated by regional and international airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.
The government believes that restarting the national carrier can contribute to boosting the movement of travelers, businesspeople and expatriates, and provide an additional means of transport linking Somalia with the countries of the region.
