Somalia Aviation Authority Gets New Search-and-Rescue Equipment to Boost Air Safety

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority has received modern search-and-rescue equipment from the World Food Programme’s UN Humanitarian Air Service (WFP/UNHAS), strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to aircraft emergencies as the government pushes to modernise its aviation sector.

The equipment was handed over during a visit by a high-level WFP delegation to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, led by the WFP country representative and including the head of UNHAS and officials from international organisations operating in Somalia.

The new equipment is intended to improve emergency communications, locate aircraft and people in distress and speed up rescue operations following aviation accidents.

The handover coincides with the establishment of a new 24-hour search-and-rescue centre, which will coordinate emergency responses and help bring Somalia’s aviation safety systems closer to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Director General Ahmed Moallin Hassan said the support would strengthen the Authority’s ability to manage aviation emergencies and improve safety across Somalia’s airspace.

The two sides signed formal handover documents as well as a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in aviation safety and related areas.

The development was also discussed during a separate government meeting convened by the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development as part of preparations for the DanQaran Government Performance Report for 2022–2026.

Ahmed Moallin presented the Civil Aviation Authority’s performance over the past four years, highlighting its contribution to aviation services and Somalia’s wider economic development.

Government officials stressed the importance of using verified data to document the performance of federal institutions, while the Planning Ministry directed technical teams to accelerate completion of the report.

The aviation authority’s progress is part of wider efforts by the federal government to modernise airspace management, strengthen regulatory systems and improve aviation safety after years in which Somalia’s aviation infrastructure and institutions were severely disrupted.

WFP/UNHAS officials also toured sections of the Civil Aviation Authority and welcomed what they described as progress in the management and delivery of civil aviation services.

The UN agency reaffirmed its intention to continue supporting Somalia in developing airports, training aviation personnel and strengthening regulatory capacity.

Ahmed Moallin thanked WFP/UNHAS for its continued support, saying the federal government remained committed to modernising Somalia’s aviation system and improving safety and security.

For Somalia, stronger search-and-rescue capabilities are particularly important as air traffic expands and the country works to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and regulatory institutions.

The new equipment and 24-hour centre provide practical capacity, but their effectiveness will depend on continued investment in trained personnel, coordination systems and maintenance.