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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made history this week by flying from Addis Ababa to Mogadishu aboard a Somali-owned and registered aircraft, the first time in 35 years that a Somali head of state has chosen a domestic carrier for an official journey. His flight, operated by Premier Airlines with registration number 60-PAA, landed at Aden Adde International Airport to a warm welcome. Footage of the plane taxiing and parking spread quickly, becoming a moment of pride for many Somalis.
Officials said the President’s decision to use a Somali carrier was not just about transport—it was a deliberate symbol of growing national confidence, progress toward reclaiming full sovereignty, and proof of how far Somalia’s aviation sector has come after decades of turbulence. For a country that has struggled with instability and dependence on foreign systems, the sight of its leader arriving on a Somali plane carried powerful meaning.
On social media, Somalis across the world celebrated the move. Many saw it as a bold gesture of resilience and national pride, while others said it showed clear support for Somali businesses and industries. Some pointed out that the symbolism could encourage more investment in the aviation industry, sending a message that Somalia is serious about rebuilding what was once lost.
The journey also ties into broader efforts by the government to restore Somalia’s aviation legacy. In July, authorities announced that they had purchased two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of a plan to relaunch Somali Airlines, the former national carrier that ceased operations more than three decades ago after the state collapsed in 1991. The revival of Somali Airlines is more than a transportation project. For many Somalis, it represents an emotional step toward reclaiming a fragment of national identity that disappeared during the country’s darkest period.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh said the two Airbus planes would begin flying within two months under the Somali Airlines name. If this timeline holds, it will mark a significant shift for the country, allowing Somalis once again to see their flag in the skies under a national airline banner. Beyond offering greater connectivity within the region and beyond, the revival also signals stability, progress, and an invitation to the world that Somalia is open for business.
For years, Somalis have relied on foreign airlines for travel, often paying high fares and missing the pride of flying on their own national carrier. The reintroduction of Somali Airlines is expected to make air travel more affordable, accessible, and locally driven, while creating jobs and opportunities in the aviation sector. It also has the potential to strengthen Somalia’s economy by boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
President Mohamud’s choice to fly on Premier Airlines can be seen as the first step toward restoring that long-lost confidence. For ordinary citizens, it served as reassurance that their leaders are not only talking about rebuilding but are actively supporting Somali institutions with visible action. By boarding a Somali aircraft for an official trip, the President gave the public something to rally behind: the belief that Somalia is moving forward, reclaiming its space, and writing a new chapter in its story.
The image of the Somali flag flying proudly on the tail of a domestic carrier brought both nostalgia and hope. It was a reminder of the country’s past, when Somali Airlines connected Somalia to the world, and a signal that the future could hold the same promise again. Many see it as more than just a plane landing—it is the landing of a new era.