Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Federal Government of Somalia has announced a historic step to revive Somali Airlines, the national carrier that ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the central government.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation today, the government has purchased two Airbus A320 aircraft to kickstart the airline's operations. The ministry described the move as "a new dawn" for Somalia's aviation sector, marking the beginning of the airline’s reconstruction.
"Today, we have brought back Somali Airlines, which disappeared from the skies 34 years ago. We have now acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft," said Somalia’s Minister of Transport.
The ministry also noted that additional aircraft are expected to be acquired soon to further strengthen the airline’s fleet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring the national carrier.
Originally founded in 1964, Somali Airlines once operated both domestic and international routes, serving cities such as Rome, Frankfurt, Cairo, and Nairobi.
The airline’s revival forms part of the government’s broader efforts to stimulate economic development, boost tourism, and enhance connectivity for Somali citizens and the diaspora.
The Airbus A320, first introduced in 1988, is the world’s most sold single-aisle aircraft. Airbus itself was established in France in 1970 as a joint venture among European countries aiming to compete with U.S. aerospace giants.
