A plane crashed at Mogadishu airport, but all passengers survived the disaster
On Tuesday, a serious air incident occurred at Aden Adde International Airport in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which ended happily. A passenger plane narrowly escaped disaster after crashing to the airport grounds, with no casualties reported among passengers or crew, in what was described as a "miracle".
Details of the incident and the official statement
In detailing the incident, the director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, confirmed in statements carried by the official Somali News Agency that the incident involved a passenger plane on a scheduled domestic flight. The Somali official explained that the plane had just taken off from Aden Adde International Airport bound for Galkayo when it encountered a sudden technical malfunction, forcing the pilot to make the decision to return immediately to the airport.
“The pilot was unable to complete the landing process normally and smoothly due to the technical malfunction, which led to the plane crashing and hitting the runway. However, divine providence and the rapid response of the emergency teams prevented any casualties, as all those on board were safely evacuated.
Aden Adde Airport: Somalia's lifeline
This incident is particularly significant given its location; Aden Adde International Airport is Somalia's main air gateway and a vital link between the country and the outside world. Situated on the Indian Ocean coast, the airport has seen increasing air traffic in recent years as Somalia gradually recovers and many international airlines resume flights.
The airport is a vital hub for logistical, humanitarian and diplomatic operations in the region, and any incident that occurs there receives widespread regional and international attention due to its potential impact on air traffic in the Horn of Africa.
The development of the Somali aviation sector and safety challenges
This incident comes at a time when the Somali aviation sector is experiencing a remarkable revival, as the Somali government has succeeded in recent years in regaining full control of its airspace (Class A) from international bodies, a major sovereign achievement that reflects the development of the technical and administrative capabilities of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.
Despite this progress, aviation safety challenges remain, and authorities are continuously working to upgrade airport infrastructure and enhance the skills of flight crews to address emergency technical malfunctions like the one that occurred today. The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the technical failure, ensuring that such incidents do not recur and maintaining the growing safety record in Somali airspace.
