The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the airspace over Somalia and the surrounding region will be reclassified as Class A effective from 26th January 2023.

The reclassification follows the operational restoration of air traffic control services, which had been disrupted for 30 years. The reclassification of the airspace is a major milestone for Somalia’s aviation industry, and it is expected to improve safety and efficiency in the region.

Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR)

The Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR) is one of the busiest airways in the region, connecting the African region to the Middle East, Western Europe, the Indian Ocean islands and the Indian subcontinent.

The region encompasses the landmass surrounding the Horn of Africa and extends into the Indian Ocean. The reclassification of the Mogadishu FIR to Class A airspace was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Somalia Airspace Special Coordination Team that comprised of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, the International Civil Aviation Organization, adjacent FIRs, and airlines.

According to IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Kamil Al-Awadhi, “The reclassification of the Mogadishu FIR as ‘Class A’ airspace will significantly improve safety in the region and enhance efficiency. This is thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Somalia Airspace Special Coordination Team, comprising the Somali CAA, IATA, the International Civil Aviation Organization, adjacent FIRs and airlines.”

The operational restoration of air traffic control in the Mogadishu FIR was also made possible with the installation of modern radio navigation and other technological infrastructure. The commissioning of the new technology followed a successful trial, which began in May 2022.

Al-Awadhi added, “The upgrade of air traffic management and improved navigation and communication infrastructure will enhance situational awareness along an increasingly busy air corridor and its intersections with routes linking many of the world’s regions.”

According to IATA, all flights operating in Class A airspace must be cleared by air traffic control, which is responsible for maintaining lateral and vertical separation between aircraft. In the Mogadishu FIR, Class A airspace is the sky above the base altitude of approximately 24,500 feet above mean sea level.

Government’s commitment to revive the country’s aviation sector

The reclassification of Somalia’s airspace is a significant step towards the revival of the country’s aviation industry, which has been in disarray for many years.

In the Fall, Transport Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal set up a working group to create a plan to re-launch the airline.

According to sources, the airline could also receive support from Ethiopian Airlines, which has a history of investing in African airlines.

The Ethiopian Aviation Minister recently visited Mogadishu to discuss the possibility of cooperation. Somali Airlines was originally founded in 1964 and served destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Germany with Boeing 720, 707-300, and Airbus A310 aircraft. However, it was dissolved in 1991 due to the outbreak of the civil war.

The reclassification of the Mogadishu FIR is a major milestone for Somalia’s aviation industry and is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to revive the country’s aviation sector.