Somalia Pushes for Aviation Reform, Regional Ties at IATA Summit in Nairobi

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its civil aviation sector and deepening regional cooperation following high-level participation at an International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit held in Nairobi.

Led by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Farah Nuuh, the Somali delegation included senior officials such as Ahmed Ma’alin Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.

The event brought together key figures from the global aviation industry to discuss infrastructure development, policy harmonization, and regulatory alignment.

In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, Minister Nuuh met with Kenya’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Davis Chirchir, to discuss boosting air transport connectivity and improving cross-border cooperation between the neighboring countries.

“The development of our aviation sector is a national priority,” Minister Nuuh told delegates. “We are committed to aligning with international standards and using air transport as a catalyst for economic growth and integration.”

The conference, hosted by IATA, focused on challenges and opportunities within the African aviation market, including modernizing infrastructure, enhancing safety standards, and improving policy coordination across the continent.

Somalia’s participation marks another step in its re-engagement with the global aviation community after years of sectoral recovery and reform. Officials say the government remains focused on modernizing its aviation systems, training personnel, and ensuring full compliance with international civil aviation regulations.

The Somali delegation’s engagements at the Nairobi summit are expected to contribute to advancing regional partnerships and positioning Somalia as an emerging player in East Africa’s growing air transport network.