Somali Airlines is preparing to return to the skies in September 2026, more than three decades after the national carrier suspended operations amid Somalia’s civil war.
Somalia is moving closer to the long-awaited revival of its national airline, with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) saying preparations are in their final stages and the carrier’s first flight is expected in September 2026.
Somali Airlines, known historically as the “White Star,” stopped operating in 1991 following the collapse of the government of President Siad Barre and the outbreak of prolonged conflict. Its return would mark the restoration of a state-owned national carrier after roughly 35 years.
Two Airbus A320 Aircraft
The government began formally rebuilding Somali Airlines in July 2025, when it announced an agreement involving two Airbus A320 aircraft as the foundation of the revived fleet. Officials have said additional aircraft could be added as operations expand.
The initial focus is expected to include domestic and regional connectivity, with the government eventually seeking to develop longer-haul international services. Authorities have also been recruiting Somali aviation professionals trained abroad to strengthen the airline’s operational and technical capacity.
Boost for Somalia’s Aviation Sector
The revival forms part of wider efforts to rebuild Somalia’s aviation infrastructure. Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport is undergoing improvements, while the government has plans to rehabilitate additional airports across the country to international standards.
A functioning national carrier could improve connections for Somalia’s large diaspora, create employment opportunities and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign airlines. Somalia also regained full control of its airspace in 2018, an important milestone in rebuilding its aviation sector.
September Launch Target
The latest announcement represents a renewed deadline after earlier plans to restart Somali Airlines in 2025 failed to materialise. SCAA Director General Ahmed Moallin Hassan said the airline is now in its final preparations, with the first flight expected in September.
If achieved, the relaunch would represent a significant milestone in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its national institutions, strengthen connectivity and restore the country’s presence in regional and international aviation.
The September target is an expected launch date and specific routes and an exact first-flight date have not yet been publicly confirmed.
