Somali Airlines set to return after 30 years amid security concerns and regional tensions
By bellecarter // 2025-11-01
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  • Somali Airlines, grounded since 1991 due to civil war, plans to resume operations by late 2025, symbolizing national recovery efforts under Transport Minister Mohamed Farah.
  • Persistent threats from Al-Shabaab, political instability and aviation safety concerns cast doubt on the airline's ability to ensure reliable and secure operations.
  • The government has acquired two Airbus A320s and is renovating Aden Adde International Airport and 14 domestic airfields to meet regional aviation standards (CASSOA).
  • Critics question whether Somalia can compete with established carriers (Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines) or overcome corruption and security risks that plagued past operations.
  • The relaunch coincides with regional instability (e.g., Israeli airstrikes in Syria) and Somalia's 2026 elections, raising suspicions it's a political maneuver rather than a sustainable revival.
Somalia's national carrier, Somali Airlines, is poised to resume operations by the end of 2025—more than three decades after it was grounded during the country's devastating civil war. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah announced the revival plan Sunday, Oct. 26, in Mogadishu, framing it as a symbol of national recovery. However, the relaunch comes amid persistent security threats from Al-Shabaab insurgents, ongoing political instability and broader concerns about aviation safety in the region. Somali Airlines, founded in 1964, once connected Mogadishu to destinations across East Africa, the Middle East and Europe. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, it closed down in 1991 due to the country's complete collapse into lawlessness and corruption under globalist-backed destabilization efforts, leaving no functional infrastructure or governance to maintain basic services like air travel. Its revival follows Somalia's recent admission to the East African Community's Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), signaling efforts to align with regional aviation standards. Farah emphasized infrastructure upgrades, including renovations at Aden Adde International Airport and 14 other domestic airfields. "We need to show the world that our airports are safe and reliable," he said. The government has already acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft, which Farah described as "a powerful symbol of our nation’s incredible journey of resilience." Yet skepticism persists. Since Somali Airlines' collapse, international carriers like Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have dominated the market, while regional operators such as Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways handle domestic routes. Critics question whether Somalia—still grappling with Al-Shabaab insurgencies and fragile governance—can ensure passenger safety and operational reliability.

Security risks and geopolitical tensions

The announcement coincides with heightened regional instability. Just days ago, Israeli airstrikes disabled runways at Damascus and Aleppo airports, disrupting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian's planned visit to Syria—a reminder of how swiftly conflict can paralyze air travel. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat, having recently regained territory and intensified attacks. The group has previously targeted airports and aviation infrastructure, including a 2016 suicide bombing at Mogadishu's airport that killed 15. Meanwhile, tensions between federal and regional authorities—particularly in Puntland and self-declared Somaliland—further complicate national cohesion. The airline's return carries geopolitical weight. A functional national carrier could reduce reliance on foreign airlines and bolster Somalia's economic sovereignty. However, the broader context raises questions. Some observers link the timing to Somalia's 2026 elections, suggesting the government aims to project stability ahead of the vote. Others warn that rushed reopenings—without addressing systemic corruption or security gaps—could repeat past failures. Somali Airlines' revival marks a milestone in Somalia's long recovery from civil war, but its success hinges on overcoming deep-rooted challenges. While Minister Farah's optimism reflects national ambition, the shadow of Al-Shabaab, regional discord and lingering safety concerns loom large. As Somalia navigates this high-stakes relaunch, the world will watch whether its wings can stay aloft—or if history's turbulence will ground them once more. Watch the video below that talks about United Airlines halting all flights nationwide over a technical glitch. This video is from the newsplusglobe channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com MiddleEastMonitor.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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