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On Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pressed a ceremonial button that marked the official start of construction. He told the crowd that the project is a “big step forward” for a country that is rebuilding after decades of conflict. A modern airport, he said, will link Somalia more closely with the world, make travel easier for ordinary citizens, and attract investors who need reliable air connections.
A Somali‑owned construction and engineering firm will lead the work.
Government officials chose a local company on purpose, arguing that Somali businesses must play a larger role in national recovery. Using home‑grown talent, they say, keeps money in the economy, creates jobs for Somali engineers and technicians, and proves that local firms can handle complex, high‑value projects.
Planners expect the new airport to transform central Somalia’s economy.
Warsheekh and the wider Middle Shabelle region have long relied on rough roads and small airstrips. A full‑scale international facility will allow farmers to export fresh produce quickly, encourage new hotels and warehouses, and shorten travel times for doctors, teachers, and traders. Regional President Ali Gudlawe Hussein, who attended the ceremony, called the airport “a doorway to opportunity” for millions of people who live far from Mogadishu.
Although the final blueprints are still under review, aviation advisers have outlined the core features.
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Runways: Two parallel runways, each roughly 4 kilometres long, should be long enough for the world’s largest passenger jets.
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Passenger terminals: Separate buildings for domestic and international flights will make check‑in and security smoother and allow future expansion when traffic rises.
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Cargo centre: A dedicated freight terminal will speed up the movement of imported goods and farm exports, cutting spoilage and shipping costs.
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Maintenance zone: Spacious hangars and workshops will let airlines repair aircraft in Somalia instead of flying them abroad, saving time and money.
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Fuel farm: On‑site storage tanks will ensure a steady supply of aviation fuel, even if road deliveries are delayed.
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Air‑traffic control: A modern tower packed with radar, navigation, and weather equipment will improve flight safety and let controllers handle busy airspace.
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Security systems: Perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, and trained guards will protect passengers, staff, and equipment.
Industry analysts put the project’s price tag above US $1 billion.
That figure includes earthworks, concrete, lighting, radar, terminal furnishings, staff training, and the first years of operating costs. Funding details have not been published, but officials say the government will combine its own budget with private investment and loans from development partners.
Why Somalia needs a second major airport
Mogadishu’s current Aden Adde International Airport has served the capital since the 1960s. It has only one runway—3,150 metres long and 45 metres wide—and handles both civilian and military flights. As passenger numbers grow, the single runway causes delays and limits the size of aircraft that can land safely. Building a second airport, rather than simply widening the old one, avoids long shutdowns and gives the country a spare gateway if Aden Adde needs repairs or faces security threats.
Local benefits start immediately.
During construction, the site will employ thousands of workers—machine operators, electricians, plumbers, cooks, and drivers. Small businesses will supply food, fuel, and building materials. Universities have been asked to design short courses so students can gain hands‑on experience in surveying, drafting, and project management.
A symbol of stability and progress
President Mohamud told onlookers that militants once controlled large parts of central Somalia. Building an airport on land that used to be unsafe, he said, shows how far the nation has come. “We are sending a clear message,” the president declared. “Somalia is open for business, ready to welcome travellers, and determined to create a brighter future.”
If all goes to plan, the first test flights could touch down within five years. When that day arrives, passengers will step onto a runway that was imagined, designed, and built by Somalis—an achievement the country hopes will inspire more ambitious projects in the years ahead.