Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has suspended several aircraft operating in the country after inspections uncovered technical defects and non-compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The authority said the measure is intended to strengthen flight safety oversight and restore passenger confidence following a recent incident involving a domestic airline.
The decision comes after a Feb. 10 accident in which an aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation experienced a technical malfunction shortly after departing from Aden Adde International Airport. The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway during landing and came to a stop near the Indian Ocean shoreline. All 55 passengers and crew members survived, but the incident raised serious concerns about maintenance standards and regulatory compliance.
The SCAA said the suspensions followed findings that certain aircraft failed to meet standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The authority did not disclose how many aircraft were affected or identify the operators involved.
The regulator added that it is tightening enforcement measures amid growing regional economic integration. Increased scrutiny will cover cabin configurations, seat dimensions, service quality, and rating procedures, with the stated goal of safeguarding passenger rights and ensuring compliance with international aviation norms.
The announcement comes as travelers on the busy Mogadishu–Nairobi route express mounting frustration over high fares and cramped conditions. A round-trip ticket between the two capitals typically costs between $400 and $450, despite the flight lasting approximately 90 minutes.
Passengers have also reported that some airlines use smaller aircraft configured with tightly spaced seating to maximize capacity, resulting in limited legroom and shoulder space.
Somalia’s aviation sector has expanded in recent years alongside the country’s gradual stabilization and regional reintegration. However, the latest regulatory action highlights ongoing challenges in safety oversight, market competition, and consumer protection within the industry.