Air Uganda begins Somalia flights

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

advertisements

Air Uganda has become the latest international airline to invest in Somalia’s economic recovery. With three weekly flights to the Somali capital Mogadishu, the airline is the latest big company to show its inertest in Somali economy. The maiden voyage from Kampala to Mogadishu was welcomed with the water cannon salute by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) firefighters stationed at the Airport.

The new airline hopes to target Somali travelers, government officials, military personnel and a growing number of entrepreneurs from around the region who wish to visit Somalia.

The International Civil Aviation Organization recently removed the Mogadishu international airport from the ‘Zone 5’ list of airports which is considered a security risk for aircraft, crew and passengers.

Mogadishu airport is under the control of AU troops and is recording a sharp increase in travelers due to the relative calm that has returned to the country over the past two years.

The Mogadishu Mayor was present at the airport and welcomed the new Ugandan airline.

In March 2012, Turkish Airlines began twice weekly flights between Istanbul and Mogadishu. The flights have facilitated the movement of businessmen and the Somali diaspora community.

Several private East African airlines like Jubaa Airways and African Express fly into Somalia from Dubai and neighboring Kenya.

As security improves in major Somali cities, flights to these regions have already commenced with many people returning back to invest in projects as the country is emerging from a two decade civil war and armed militancy.

Home
Email

Hiiraan Online