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For over three decades, the iconic blue-and-white livery of Somali Airlines—adorned with a solitary white star—has existed only in faded photographs and the memories of a generation. Grounded by civil war in 1991, the once-proud national carrier became a symbol of a fractured state. But today, the story of Somali Airlines is shifting from a tragedy of the past to a blueprint for the future.
After years of false starts, the Somali government is currently in the final stages of a historic relaunch, with operations expected to resume in September 2026.
Here is the deep dive into the golden era of Somali Airlines, its sudden collapse, and the multi-million dollar effort to return the “White Star” to the skies.
1964–1991: The Golden Era
Somali Airlines was born on March 5, 1964, just a few years after Somalia gained independence. It was originally established as a 50/50 joint venture between the newly formed Somali civilian government and the Italian flag carrier, Alitalia.
Operations officially began in July 1964. Equipped initially with small Douglas DC-3s donated by the United States, the airline focused on domestic routes, connecting the capital of Mogadishu to regional centers. However, as the young nation grew, so did its ambitions.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Somali Airlines entered its golden age:
- Full Independence: In 1977, the Somali government bought out Alitalia’s 49% stake, making it a fully state-owned enterprise.
- Global Expansion: The route network expanded far beyond the Horn of Africa. The airline launched routes to Rome, London, Frankfurt, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Banjul, and Conakry.
- Fleet Modernization:To handle long-haul flights to Europe and the Middle East, the airline phased in Boeing 720Bs, Boeing 707s, and eventually placed firm orders for wide-body Airbus A310-300s in 1987.
For a time, Somali Airlines was a major player in East African aviation and a profound source of national pride, linking the Somali diaspora with their homeland.
The Dark Years and the Private Boom
The trajectory of the airline mirrored the political stability of the country. In 1991, as the central government collapsed and the Somali Civil War erupted, Somali Airlines abruptly ceased all operations.Its fleet was grounded, its infrastructure was destroyed, and the national aviation sector fell under the supervision of international bodies operating out of neighboring Kenya.
In the 30-year vacuum left by the national carrier, the skies above Somalia didn’t stay empty. A resilient private sector stepped in. Somali-owned private carriers—most notably Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways—emerged to provide vital lifelines, operating regional and international flights out of Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Bossaso. While these private airlines kept the country connected, the dream of resurrecting the official flag carrier never died.
2023–2026: Reclaiming the Skies
The push to relaunch Somali Airlines has gained serious momentum in recent years, tied directly to Somalia’s broader economic and infrastructural recovery under its Ninth National Development Plan.
The critical turning point occurred on January 26, 2023, when Somalia successfully regained full control over the Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR), taking back its sovereign airspace after 30 years of foreign management.By achieving a Category 1 classification, the country cleared the primary regulatory hurdle required to launch a national carrier under international aviation laws.
The relaunch transition moved from planning to implementation in 2025:
- The Airbus Deal:On July 28, 2025, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh officially announced the revival of Somali Airlines, confirming the acquisition of two Airbus A320 aircraft from Lema Holdings.
- Leadership & Licensing:The government appointed Abdulahi Iman as the airline’s CEO in May 2025. By 2024, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it had the regulatory framework ready to certify the airline, issue air operator approvals, and license flight crews.
What’s Next for the “White Star”?
While the government initially targeted late 2025 for the inaugural flights, preparations and final regulatory hurdles pushed the timeline slightly. As of August 2026, the Director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Moalin, confirmed that preparations are complete and the airline is expected to officially resume operations in September 2026.
The first phase of the rollout will focus strictly on regional routes to rebuild the airline’s operational footprint step-by-step.However, the government has already signaled intentions to acquire two to three additional aircraft to expand the fleet.
This relaunch is happening alongside a massive infrastructure push. The government has outlined a $643 million project to construct a brand-new international airport in the Mahay area (Warsheekh), located about 60 kilometers from Mogadishu, which will eventually replace the current Aden Adde International Airport.
For Somalia, the return of Somali Airlines is about much more than selling tickets. As Minister Nuuh stated during the 2025 announcement, it is about “the restoration of national dignity, economic revival, and linking Somali communities at home and abroad”.
