Somali Airlines returns after 34-year absence, acquires 2 Airbus A320s
After a 34-year absence from the skies, the Government of Somalia has announced the revival of its national flag carrier Somali Airlines.
The airline’s relaunch was announced on July 28, 2025, by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre approved the investment.
Somali Airlines was first launched in 1964 and operated for over 25 years until the Somali Civil War began in 1991 and devastated the country.
Key to the effort to revive the airline was Somalia successfully restoring full control over its sovereign airspace and achieving a Category A classification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (IATA) in January 2023.
At a special signing ceremony, Somali Airlines said that it had acquired two Airbus A320s with the aircraft expected to be operational within two months.
Today marks an truly historic moment for Somalia as our national flag carrier, Somali Airlines, prepares to take to the skies once more. This isn’t just about two new Airbus A320s acquired today; it’s a powerful symbol of our nation’s incredible journey of resilience, rebuilding,… pic.twitter.com/WN2Xo4OOJJ— SONNA (@SONNALIVE) July 29, 2025 According to SONNA, the Somali National News Agency, the new aircraft were part of a purchase agreement Lima Holding Group.
The news agency added that more aircraft would join the Somali Airlines fleet in the future including larger jets for international operations.
Commenting on the announcement the Somali Embassy in Serbia said: “Congratulations to Somali Airlines! After 34 years, we look forward to seeing our national carrier take to the skies once again. A powerful symbol of resilience and national pride for the Somali people.”
The latest aviation development in Somalia comes hand in hand with the construction of a new airport near to the nation’s capital Mogadishu
The new airport was first announced in 2024, with the first foundation stone being laid in June 2025.
RELATED
Breakthrough: aircraft and parts spared tariff burden in EU-US trade deal
The post Somali Airlines returns after 34-year absence, acquires 2 Airbus A320s appeared first on AeroTime.
After a 34-year absence from the skies, the Government of Somalia has announced the revival of its national…
The post Somali Airlines returns after 34-year absence, acquires 2 Airbus A320s appeared first on AeroTime.
