Somalia Seeks Egypt’s Aviation Expertise as It Works to Revive Somali Airlines

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Egypt has offered to share its aviation expertise with Somalia as Mogadishu works to modernise Aden Adde International Airport and revive the country’s long-dormant national carrier, Somali Airlines.

The offer was made during talks between Somalia’s State Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Abdulkariin Abdow Heydar, and Egypt’s Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Dr Samih El-Khanfi in the Egyptian city of El Alamein.

The two officials met on the sidelines of the International AirShow, where ministers, civil aviation authorities and aviation industry officials from several countries have gathered.

Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Somalia and Egypt, with aviation emerging as a key area of collaboration.

They also discussed the progress of Somalia’s plan to bring Somali Airlines back into operation.

Egypt said it would provide Somalia with technical expertise to support plans to develop Aden Adde International Airport, one of the country’s main gateways and the centre of its international air travel.

The push comes as Somalia seeks to rebuild an aviation sector that was severely disrupted by the collapse of the state in the early 1990s.

Somali Airlines, once the country’s national carrier, suspended operations during the civil war. Efforts to revive the airline have since featured in wider government plans to reconnect Somalia with regional and international markets.

The revival of the carrier is also closely linked to the development of the country’s aviation infrastructure, including airport facilities and the systems needed to support expanded passenger and cargo operations.

Somalia has increasingly sought technical partnerships with countries and international aviation institutions as it works to strengthen its civil aviation capacity.

Heydar thanked Egypt for its continued support and welcomed its willingness to contribute expertise to the development of Somalia’s aviation sector.

The discussions in El Alamein underline the growing focus on aviation as part of Somalia’s broader efforts to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen economic links with the region and the wider world.