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New Mogadishu International Airport
Future international airport near Mogadishu, Somalia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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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][4]
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History
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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.[5]
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.[6][7]
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.[8][9]
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.[10][11]
During this period, several airlines began or resumed flights to Mogadishu. EgyptAir launched biweekly flights to Mogadishu on 12 July 2024,[12] while SalamAir, an Omani carrier, commenced operations to Mogadishu on 16 January 2025.[13]
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.[14]
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.[10]
In September 2024, in an interview on Somali National Television (SNTV), the Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority stated that several airlines had expressed interest in using the New Mogadishu International Airport as their hub. He highlighted the airport’s planned capacity, strategic coastal location, and distance from congested urban areas as key factors attracting this interest.[15]
The project is expected to provide employment opportunities for up to 10,000 Somali youth in various aviation-related roles.[16]
The airport will be built with two runways as a baseline, with a third runway planned as part of the next phase of development, and a potential fourth runway under consideration for future expansion. "It will also be connected to Mogadishu by new modern highways designed to facilitate efficient transportation".[17]
He added that the airport is positioned to compete directly with major regional hubs such as Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These remarks underline the airport’s significance as a major infrastructure project with potential economic and connectivity benefits for Somalia.[18]
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.[19][20][21]
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Project background
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Perspective
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.[22]
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.[23]
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.[23]
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.[24]
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.[22]
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.[25]
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.[26]
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.[26]
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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.[27]
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.[28]
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.[29][30][31]
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See also
References
External links
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