Air Djibouti makes a comeback to Mogadishu after 25 years

Air Djibouti made its maiden flight to Mogadishu today after a quarter century hiatus as the airline expands its market in the Horn of Africa.

Djibouti ambassador to Somalia Aden Ali Aden said the return of Air Djibouti to Mogadishu after ceasing its flights following the collapse of government in 1991 was a major indication of his country’s efforts to support Somalia in its reconstruction process and attract more investors.

“The coming of this airline to Mogadishu today signals our commitment to the reconstruction and stabilization of Somalia. We hope this will also encourage other investors to set base in Somalia,” said Aden.

Air Djibouti started in 1963 but ceased operations in 2002. In 2015 the airline was once again relaunched as a cargo airline. Cardiff Aviation chairman and founder Bruce Dickinson announced August his company was injecting a lifeline to the airline and that it would deliver the first aircrafts.

The Iron Maiden band front man who himself is a pilot flew the first Boeing 737 to Djibouti August.

The airline currently flies to Addi Ababa, Hargeisa, Dire Dawa in Ethiopia and Bosaso

Djibouti is a major trade hub in the Horn of Africa and lies along strategic Arabian Peninsula route attracting American, French, Chinese and Italian military bases.