Saturday February 21, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has suspended several aircraft operating in the country after inspections revealed technical faults and non-compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The authority said the decision aims to strengthen flight safety oversight and restore passenger confidence following a recent incident involving a domestic carrier.
The move follows a Feb. 10 accident in which a plane operated by Starsky Aviation experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from Aden Adde International Airport. The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway upon landing and came to rest near the Indian Ocean shoreline. All 55 passengers and crew survived, but the incident triggered concerns about maintenance practices and regulatory compliance.
The SCAA said the suspensions were based on findings that certain aircraft did not meet standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The authority did not specify how many aircraft were affected or which operators were involved.
The regulator said it is tightening enforcement measures amid growing regional economic integration. New scrutiny will extend to cabin configurations, seat dimensions, service quality and rating procedures, with the stated aim of protecting passenger rights and ensuring adherence to international aviation norms.
The announcement comes as travelers on the busy Mogadishu–Nairobi route voice increasing frustration over high fares and cramped conditions. A round-trip ticket between the two capitals typically ranges from $400 to $450, despite the flight time being approximately 90 minutes.
Passengers have reported that some airlines deploy smaller aircraft configured with tightly spaced seating to maximize capacity, resulting in limited legroom and shoulder space.
Somalia’s aviation sector has expanded in recent years alongside the country’s gradual stabilization and regional reintegration. However, the latest regulatory action underscores ongoing challenges in safety oversight, market competition and consumer protection within the industry.
