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Somalia’s Aviation Sector Grows As Rayaan Air Receives First Aircraft
Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport
Somalia’s newly established carrier, Rayaan Air, saw the arrival of its first aircraft, a Fokker 50 turboprop, in the capital Mogadishu Feb. 20.
The aircraft landed at Aden Abdulle International Airport, designated as the airline’s main hub.
In a statement posted on social media, Rayaan Air said the aircraft had “touched down in Somalia, Aden Abdulle International Airport for our inaugural flight.”
The arrival of the Fokker 50 signals the formal start of operations, although the airline has not yet disclosed its planned routes or target destinations.
Rayaan Air’s launch follows closely after another Somali startup, Hilaac Air, which recently received its first Saab 340 turboprop. Hilaac Air has announced plans to connect Mogadishu with domestic cities including Hargeisa and Garowe, as well as Nairobi in neighboring Kenya.
Somalia’s aviation sector, long disrupted by conflict, is showing signs of gradual recovery. Growth is being driven largely by private operators stepping in to meet demand for domestic and regional travel, alongside ongoing improvements in airport infrastructure, particularly at Mogadishu.
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