New Mogadishu International Airport

New Mogadishu International Airport

Somali: Garoonka Diyaaradaha Caalamiga ah ee Cusub ee Muqdisho
Arabic: مطار مقديشو الدولي الجديد
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerGovernment of Somalia
ServesMogadishu, Somalia
LocationEl Ma'an, 35 km from central Mogadishu
Coordinates2°11′59″N 45°37′11″E / 2.1996373°N 45.6197267°E / 2.1996373; 45.6197267
Map
NMIA
Location within Somalia
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
Planned 13,100 4,000 Asphalt
Planned 13,100 4,000 Asphalt
Under construction as of 2025

New Mogadishu International Airport (Somali: Garoonka Diyaaradaha Caalamiga ah ee Cusub ee Muqdisho, Arabic: مطار مقديشو الدولي الجديد) is an international airport currently under construction in the coastal area of El Maan, approximately 35 km northeast of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The project aims to relieve congestion at Aden Adde International Airport and support the modernization and expansion of Somalia's aviation sector.[1][2]

It is being developed as part of Somalia's renewed push to rebuild its national infrastructure. The airport is planned to feature modern terminals, extended runways, and improved logistics capacity to handle both passenger and cargo traffic. Its construction follows years of planning and reflects a broader effort to decentralize air traffic from the existing Aden Adde International Airport, which faces growing limitations due to its location within the city. Once complete, the new airport is expected to serve as a gateway for international carriers and a foundation for Somalia's aviation recovery.[3]

History

Somalia's aviation sector suffered significantly following the collapse of the central government in 1991. For many years, international airlines avoided Somali airspace due to security risks, and airports operated with minimal oversight. Despite these challenges, Aden Adde International Airport remained one of the few functioning airfields, offering basic services and limited international traffic.[4]

By 2011, Turkey had become one of Somalia's earliest international partners in aviation and infrastructure development. In 2013, Favori LLC, a Turkish company, took over terminal operations at Aden Adde International Airport. This partnership led to the construction of a new modern terminal, introducing more organized and professional standards to airport operations in Mogadishu.[5][6]

Until 2018, Somalia's airspace was managed remotely from Nairobi under a United Nations and ICAO arrangement due to continuing security concerns. In December 2018, the Somali government formally resumed control of its airspace, marking a significant milestone in restoring national sovereignty over aviation operations.[7][8]

In the early 2020s, aviation traffic through Aden Adde International Airport increased sharply. This surge was driven by improving security conditions, expanded regional and domestic connectivity, and a growing Somali diaspora returning home for business and personal visits. The United Nations lifted its longstanding arms embargo on Somalia in late 2023, signaling increased international trust in the country's governance and stability.[9][10]

During this period, several airlines began or resumed flights to Mogadishu. EgyptAir launched biweekly flights to Mogadishu on 12 July 2024,[11] while SalamAir, an Omani carrier, commenced operations to Mogadishu on 16 January 2025.[12]

In January 2024, Somalia opened its first aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in over three decades at Aden Adde International Airport. This marked a major step forward in rebuilding the country's aviation capabilities, offering services for both international operators and Somalia's own carriers, with the potential for Somali Airlines to resume operations in the future.[13]

However, the limited capacity and central location of Aden Adde International Airport became an increasing obstacle as demand for air travel continued to grow. With rising air traffic and ambitions to revive Somali Airlines, the proposal for New Mogadishu International Airport emerged as a vital next step to support the expanding aviation sector.[9]

Foundation laying

Officially, on 29 June 2025, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud laid the foundation stone for the New Mogadishu International Airport at a site within the Warsheekh district of the Middle Shabelle region. The ceremony marked the official commencement of the project following years of technical and environmental assessment. Officials stated that the airport aims to improve national and regional air connectivity while alleviating capacity constraints at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. The event was attended by senior government officials and local representatives, highlighting the significance of the development within the government's broader infrastructure agenda.[14][15][16]

Project background

For years, Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu has faced growing pressure. Located deep within the city, it has no space left to expand. As air traffic increased, the need for a second airport became clearer.[17]

By the late 2010s, attention turned to El Maan, a coastal area northeast of Mogadishu's center. The site offered wide open land far from crowded neighborhoods.[1]

Environmental and technical assessments were carried out to evaluate the suitability of the El Maan site for large-scale development. These studies examined air and water quality, flood risks, noise levels, and wildlife impact. The findings confirmed that the area was appropriate for large-scale development.[1]

In December 2024, Somali authorities officially announced plans for a new airport at the El Maan site. Construction began in early 2025. The project is being led by the New Mogadishu Development Corporation under a public-private partnership with Turkish firms. Government statements and project reports estimate that thousands of jobs will be created during the construction period and once the airport becomes operational.[18]

NMIA was proposed as a way to relieve pressure on Aden Adde, but it is also part of efforts to improve Somalia's aviation network and increase international flight operations.[17]

Placing the airport along the coast is expected to reduce the need for displacement within the city and provide space for future expansion. It is also planned to accommodate connecting infrastructure like port access and the proposed Gateway Complex, which is expected to support cargo and logistics operations.[19]

The development is expected to involve both international partners and Somali institutions working together throughout the construction and operational stages. It is intended to follow global aviation standards and aims to build space for training local capacity.[20]

Officials have said the airport is expected to support economic activity, including trade and employment. Future phases of the project may include more runways, hangars, and expanded cargo zones depending on demand.[20]

Location and features

Planned facilities include two parallel runways capable of handling wide-body aircraft, modern passenger and cargo terminals, and a comprehensive air traffic control system. Parking facilities will accommodate more than 500 vehicles.[21]

Significance

NMIA is anticipated to play a key role in enhancing Somalia's air connectivity by easing congestion at Aden Adde International Airport and positioning the country as a regional aviation hub. The airport will support tourism, cargo logistics, humanitarian efforts, and government operations.[2]

The new Mogadishu International Airport is expected to boost Somalia's air connectivity and increase international flights, supporting the government's plans to revive Somali Airlines and enhance regional and global access.[22][23][24]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Somali government announces construction of new airport in Mogadishu - Hiiraanweyn". 15 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b Abdullahi, Abdiqani (14 June 2024). "Somalia to Construct New Airport in Mogadishu to Boost Aviation Services". Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  3. ^ "The New Mogadishu International Airport: Transforming Somalia's Aviation Sector". 30 December 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  4. ^ "The fear of flying in Somali air space". The Economist. 12 April 2001. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Erdogan visit played pivotal role for Somalia". Anadolu Agency. 12 May 2017.
  6. ^ "Somalia: Turkish Firm Takes Over Management of Mogadishu Airport". AllAfrica. 17 September 2013.
  7. ^ "Somali Civil Aviation Authority Airspace Upgrade" (PDF). ICAO. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  8. ^ "ICAO ends its operation to control Somalia's airspace in Nairobi". Hiiraan Online. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Somali Government Announces Construction of a New $643 Million Airport in Mogadishu". Somali Magazine. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  10. ^ Nichols, Michelle (1 December 2023). "UN Security Council lifts arms embargo on Somalia government". Reuters. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  11. ^ "EgyptAir Launches Biweekly Flights to Djibouti and Mogadishu". AirlineGeeks. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Oman's SalamAir Gets Approval to Operate Flights to Three New Destinations". The Arabian Stories. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  13. ^ "Somalia opens its first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility". Daily Africa News. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  14. ^ "Somali President Lays Foundation for New Mogadishu International Airport in Middle Shabelle Region". Hiiraan Online. 30 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  15. ^ Aweys, Khadar (30 June 2025). "President Hassan Lays Foundation for Major Infrastructure Projects in Middle Shabelle". SONNA. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  16. ^ Liban, Gesey (29 June 2025). "New Heights for Somalia: President Hassan Launches Modern International Airport in Warsheekh". Radio Dalsan. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Somalia's govt to build new airport in Mogadishu to ease congestion | Somali Guardian". Somali Guardian. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  18. ^ "Somalia Launches $643 Million Airport Project to Boost Economy". Riot Times. 27 December 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  19. ^ "Somali President Breaks Ground on Gateway Complex, Marking a New Era for Mogadishu - Best news channels in Mogadishu | Best news channels in Somalia | News channels in Mogadishu". Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  20. ^ a b "Somali President Unveils NMDC and NMIA, Aiming to Transform Economy | Shabelle Media Network". Shabelle Media Network. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  21. ^ "Somalia bids for the future with new $643 million airport". The EastAfrican. 24 December 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Somali government announces construction of new airport in Mogadishu". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  23. ^ Khalif, Abdulkadir; African, The East. "Somalia bids for the future with new $643mln airport". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  24. ^ Olad Hassan, Mohamed (19 December 2024). "Mogadishu development project brings hope to Somalia". Voice of America. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
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