DOHA, Qatar – The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has pledged to deepen cooperation with Somalia to strengthen aviation safety, technical capacity and air navigation systems, according to officials.
The commitment was highlighted during talks in Doha between ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar and Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) Director-General Ahmed Macallin Hassan, who underscored preparations for an upcoming ICAO assessment as a priority.
The discussions come as Somalia steps up efforts to modernize its civil aviation sector, improve compliance with international standards and strengthen its role in regional and international air transport.
Somalia participated in the eighth Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation in the Middle East (DGCA-MID/8), held in Doha from Oct. 26 to 28 and hosted by Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority in cooperation with ICAO’s Middle East Regional Office.
The meeting brought together aviation officials to discuss safety standards, air navigation, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, aviation security and regional coordination. Somalia highlighted progress in modernizing its aviation systems and the strategic importance of its airspace to international flight connectivity.
The latest engagement builds on previous cooperation between ICAO and Somali aviation authorities. In November 2024, ICAO reported the successful testing of upgraded air traffic management and communications systems at Mogadishu’s Area Control Centre and airport tower, marking a milestone in efforts to improve air navigation capabilities.
Somalia has also been working to prepare its aviation authority for international assessment, including through institutional capacity-building, technical improvements and closer engagement with international aviation organizations.
In October 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sent a senior delegation to Mogadishu, reflecting growing engagement between Somalia and international aviation bodies. The visit came amid efforts to restore and expand industry services and strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure.
The cooperation with ICAO is expected to support Somalia’s efforts to improve operational safety, strengthen technical expertise and align its aviation oversight systems with international requirements.
Somalia’s strategic location along major air routes between Africa, the Middle East and Asia makes the effective management and safety of its airspace important for regional and international aviation.
