Somali Airlines (2025) is targeting a return to scheduled operations in mid-September 2026, more than 35 years after suspending services, with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) saying preparations for the relaunch had been completed.
The state-owned carrier is in its "final stages" of readiness, director general Ahmed Hassan said, and its first flight is expected "around mid-September," reported The Eastleigh Voice, a Nairobi-based online newspaper.
The statement is the latest in a series of government efforts to revive former flag carrier Somali Airlines (1964), which ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia's central government and the outbreak of civil war. Previous relaunch targets, including commitments to resume flights before the end of 2025 were not met.
In July 2025, the government announced an agreement to acquire two A320-200s as the foundation of the airline's renewed fleet, with officials at the time indicating operations would begin within two months.
Before commencing commercial services, Somali Airlines must complete the remaining regulatory, operational, and safety requirements, including obtaining the necessary approvals and ensuring that maintenance, insurance, flight planning, airport support, and qualified personnel are in place.
Founded in 1964, Somali Airlines previously operated regional and international services. The government has said that additional aircraft could be acquired as the carrier expands beyond its initial two-aircraft fleet.
ch-aviation has contacted the SCAA for more information.
