Somalia Orders Sweeping Aircraft Safety Review to Bolster Passenger Protection

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s government has launched a nationwide safety audit of all aircraft operating in its airspace, in a bid to strengthen passenger protection and raise aviation standards, the country’s transport minister said on Tuesday.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuux announced the initiative during a visit to Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, where he held talks with senior aviation officials and inspected airport facilities.

“The safety and wellbeing of our citizens is a national duty,” Nuux said. “Every aircraft flying into or out of Somalia must be inspected, registered, and properly maintained to meet international safety standards.”

The minister’s directive includes immediate registration and technical inspections of all aircraft, both domestic and international, operating within Somalia. The move comes amid a broader push by the government to overhaul the aviation sector, improve regulatory oversight, and ensure safer air travel for passengers.

Nuux met with the Deputy Transport Minister, the Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and senior safety officers during his airport tour. Briefings focused on operational challenges, existing safety measures, and areas requiring urgent attention, particularly the technical condition of aircraft and enforcement of safety protocols.

The Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the SCAA, will lead the implementation of the review and ensure full compliance from airlines and airport operators, officials said.

The initiative marks one of the most robust safety campaigns in Somalia’s aviation history and reflects a growing emphasis on international best practices in air travel regulation.