Somali Airports

Somali Airports

  • Aden Adde International Airport (Mogadishu):
    • The busiest airport in Somalia and the main international gateway.
    • It has undergone significant upgrades in recent years to improve security, facilities, and capacity.
  • Other Notable Airports:
    • Berbera International Airport (Somaliland): Serves the region of Somaliland and has seen improvements in infrastructure and international traffic.
    • Hargeisa Egal International Airport: Located in the capital of Somaliland, this airport is vital for both domestic and international flights.
    • Kismayo Airport: Located in the south, this airport connects the southern regions to the rest of Somalia.
    • Bosaso Airport: Serving Puntland, it handles both cargo and passenger traffic, especially from the Arabian Peninsula.

2. Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services

  • Somalia’s airspace is managed by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and air traffic control services have been modernized with international cooperation, especially in the last decade.
  • The country is served by several air traffic control centers, with Mogadishu Area Control Centre (ACC) being the primary one.
  • Somalia is also part of the Indian Ocean and Eastern Africa (IOEAF) air navigation services, which provides cross-border coordination with neighboring countries.

3. Regulations & Safety Oversight

  • Licensing and Certification: The SCAA is responsible for issuing licenses for airlines, aircrew, and maintenance personnel. Somalia has been working on improving its certification process to comply with ICAO standards, especially after years of civil unrest.
  • Safety Inspections: The SCAA conducts regular inspections of aircraft operating in Somalia’s airspace. It ensures that airlines comply with international safety norms.

4. Somali Airlines (Legacy and Current Status)

  • Legacy of Somali Airlines:
    • Somali Airlines, which operated from 1964 until 1991, was once a symbol of Somalia’s civil aviation. The national airline ceased operations due to the civil war but was an important carrier within East Africa and the Middle East.
  • Current Aviation Landscape:
    • Somali aviation today includes private and regional airlines such as Daallo Airlines, Jubba Airways, Horn Aviation, and African Express Airways.
    • These airlines operate both domestic and international flights, although there are concerns over safety in some cases, and the country has been working to improve safety standards.

5. Aviation Development Initiatives

  • ICAO Compliance: Somalia has been working closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) to meet the standards for civil aviation safety and security. The country has made significant progress in terms of air traffic management and has been gradually rebuilding its aviation infrastructure.
  • Partnerships for Infrastructure: The Somali government, along with international partners such as the European Union and the World Bank, has been involved in modernizing airports and air traffic control systems. The aim is to boost regional connectivity and improve aviation safety.

6. Security and Challenges

  • Terrorism and Conflicts: The security situation, especially in southern and central Somalia, presents challenges for the aviation industry. Terrorist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, have targeted the aviation sector in the past, with attacks on airports and airliners (e.g., the Daallo Airlines Flight 159 bombing).
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Many airports still lack modern infrastructure and equipment, and there are limitations in air traffic management systems.
  • Limited Investment: While there has been progress, sustained investment is needed to fully modernize the country’s aviation industry.

7. Airlines Operating in Somalia

  • Daallo Airlines: A major carrier that operates both domestic and international flights. It has had a notable history, including the bombing incident in 2016.
  • Jubba Airways: One of Somalia’s oldest airlines, offering both domestic and regional flights.
  • Horn Airlines: A relatively smaller carrier, focused mainly on domestic routes.
  • African Express Airways: Based in Somalia, with a focus on regional routes.

8. Future Prospects

  • Aviation Growth: Somalia has the potential to become a hub for East African air travel, but it will need to continue strengthening safety regulations, improving infrastructure, and maintaining political stability.
  • International Relations: As international flights resume and security improves, Somalia could see increased international aviation traffic, which would benefit both the economy and regional integration.

Developing a New Airport for Mogadishu: Meeting Future Aviation Needs

Introduction: As Somalia’s largest city and primary hub, Mogadishu plays a pivotal role in the nation’s aviation landscape. However, the existing infrastructure at Mogadishu Airport is reaching its limits, with little room for expansion. To accommodate the growing demand for air travel and modernize our aviation facilities, the development of a new airport on the outskirts of the capital is imperative.

Current Challenges: Mogadishu Airport, while central to our air transport network, faces significant constraints in terms of space and infrastructure. The need for expansion is evident, yet limited available land inhibits any substantial growth. Additionally, many smaller airports across Somalia lack basic facilities and are ill-equipped to support modern aviation operations.

The Case for a New Airport: Developing a new airport on the outskirts of Mogadishu presents a strategic solution to address these challenges. With ample space for expansion and modernization, the new airport can accommodate larger aircraft, increased passenger volumes, and improved facilities. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to enhance connectivity and accessibility for both domestic and international travelers.

Key Considerations:

  1. Location: Identify a suitable location with sufficient land area and proximity to Mogadishu to ensure ease of access for passengers and cargo transportation.
  2. Infrastructure: Incorporate state-of-the-art facilities, including terminal buildings, runways, navigational aids, and support infrastructure, to meet international aviation standards.
  3. Accessibility: Ensure seamless connectivity with existing transportation networks, including roadways and public transit, to facilitate efficient travel to and from the airport.
  4. Sustainability: Implement environmentally sustainable practices in airport construction and operations, minimizing ecological impact and promoting long-term resilience.
  5. Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the planning and development process, fostering transparency, inclusivity, and shared benefits.

Benefits of the New Airport:

  1. Capacity Expansion: Alleviate congestion and capacity constraints at Mogadishu Airport, enabling the efficient handling of growing passenger and cargo traffic.
  2. Enhanced Services: Provide modern amenities and services to enhance the passenger experience, including improved check-in facilities, lounges, and retail options.
  3. Economic Development: Stimulate economic growth and job creation through airport development, attracting investment, tourism, and trade opportunities to the region.
  4. Safety and Security: Enhance safety and security standards through the implementation of advanced infrastructure and operational protocols, ensuring the well-being of passengers, staff, and cargo.
  5. Global Connectivity: Position Somalia as a key aviation hub in the region, facilitating seamless connections to domestic and international destinations and promoting trade and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: The development of a new airport on the outskirts of Mogadishu is essential to meet the evolving needs of Somalia’s aviation sector. By investing in modern infrastructure and sustainable practices, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and connectivity, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.