By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 18 October 2026 – Somalia has relaunched the International Air Transport Association’s Billing and Settlement Plan (IATA-BSP), a global system designed to streamline airline ticket sales and financial transactions between airlines and travel agencies.
The relaunch was announced at a ceremony held in Mogadishu on Sunday, organised by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). The event also marked 35 years of cooperation between the authority and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The IATA-BSP is an international system connecting airlines and travel agencies, simplifying ticket sales, revenue accounting and financial settlements.
Its reintroduction is expected to create new opportunities for Somali travel agencies, particularly in selling international airline tickets and conducting transactions with global carriers.
Somalia’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah, said the ministry had worked for an extended period to restore the system, describing it as an opportunity to support economic growth and strengthen Somalia’s connections with international markets.
The minister said Somalia could benefit from the system through economic development and improved connectivity with the rest of the world.
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Separately, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, speaking at the ceremony, said the implementation of the system formed part of the country’s national transformation agenda and could help facilitate travel between Somalia and other countries.
The prime minister said the government was prioritising the development of aviation services to strengthen Somalia’s international connections and create conditions that support travel and commercial activity.
Beyond simplifying ticket sales, the IATA-BSP is also designed to improve financial procedures between airlines and travel agencies, potentially reducing challenges associated with accounting and payment settlements.
The relaunch comes as Somalia seeks to develop its civil aviation sector and expand cooperation with international air transport organisations.
However, the anticipated economic and commercial benefits will depend on the effectiveness of implementation, the participation of Somali travel agencies and the capacity of airlines to operate within the restored system.