MOGADISHU – Somalia has entered the pilot phase of a new aviation billing and settlement system developed in partnership with the International Air Transport Association, the government said, in a move aimed at modernising the country’s air transport sector.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh announced the development following a high-level meeting focused on advancing Africa’s aviation sector held on April 29–30, 2026.
At the gathering, Somalia was recognised as a country taking steps toward modernisation and reform in regional aviation, according to officials.
“This is a major achievement for the nation,” the minister said, adding that the system reflects the government’s efforts to rebuild and modernise aviation infrastructure and services.
The new payment and settlement platform is expected to provide Somali airlines and travel agents with a secure, transparent and internationally compliant mechanism for processing ticket payments.
Kamil Alawadhi, regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East at IATA, welcomed the initiative, saying Somalia is now part of broader efforts to strengthen air connectivity across the continent.
He added that the programme aims to boost investment, support economic growth linked to aviation, and reduce operational and tax-related barriers that have long hindered the sector in Africa.
Authorities say the system is expected to be fully implemented nationwide by the end of May 2026, allowing Somali citizens to book airline tickets more easily and securely while improving safety and compliance with international aviation standards, including those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
