The reincarnation of Somalia’s national carrier, Somali Airlines (2025), will start operations before the end of 2025 after a 34-year hiatus, according to an announcement by the country's transport and civil aviation minister, Mohamed Farah Nuh.
"I want to share good news with the Somali people - before the end of this year, Somali Airlines will officially resume operations," Nuh told reporters in Mogadishu on October 27, adding that the aircraft and related equipment for Somali Airlines were "ready" for service, and that preparations were in the final stages, Hiiraan Online, Radio Mogadishu, and Garowe Online reported.
In July 2025, the Somali government announced the purchase of two A320-200s for Somali Airlines. At the time, Nuh said the government planned to acquire two to three additional aircraft by 2026 as part of a phased fleet expansion. The government said it acquired the aircraft from Lima Holding Group, but ch-aviation was unable to verify the identity of the lessor or the aircraft.
After a 30-year period, Somalia regained full control over the Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR) on January 26, 2023.
The airline’s relaunch coincides with a USD643 million infrastructure project to build a new international airport in the Mahay area, about 60 kilometres from the capital Mogadishu, which is to eventually replace the current Mogadishu airport. The new airport and resurrection of Somali Airlines are central parts of Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan.
Nuh also outlined plans to modernise Aden Adde International Airport and dozens of regional airports. Somalia has 72 airstrips, many of which need renovation. Fifteen airports are already under renovation, he said.
Once the country’s flagship carrier, Somali Airlines (1964) (Mogadishu) halted operations in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of civil conflict. Reviving the airline has been a long-term goal of the government as part of efforts to rebuild national institutions. The previous government highlighted a plan to revive the airline in an interview with ch-aviation in 2023.