By Abdikarim Haji Abdi Buh

Somalia’s Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) recently suspended several aircraft operators after inspections revealed technical faults and non-compliance with international aviation safety standards. However, the authority did not publicly name the affected carriers.

While enforcement of safety standards is necessary, the manner of the announcement has raised concerns. By withholding the names of the suspended operators, passengers are left uncertain about whether they are flying with a compliant carrier or one under scrutiny—particularly in the wake of the February 10 incident in which an aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation overshot the runway. Such ambiguity risks further undermining public confidence in an already sensitive sector.

As Somalia’s aviation industry continues to expand, experts argue that the regulator must adopt a broader and more transparent oversight approach.

Expanding the Scope of Oversight

Airworthiness certification remains a core responsibility of any aviation authority. It confirms that an aircraft meets required technical and maintenance standards. However, mechanical fitness alone is not sufficient to guarantee comprehensive passenger safety.

Broader oversight should include approval of cabin configurations, verification of safety equipment, monitoring of crew training standards, and evaluation of emergency preparedness systems.

Cabin configuration—such as seat spacing, emergency exit accessibility, and passenger capacity—directly affects evacuation safety. In many jurisdictions, regulators require detailed cabin layout approvals to ensure compliance with international standards. Somalia’s aviation authority should similarly ensure that aircraft operating within its airspace adhere strictly to approved configurations and capacity limits.

Strengthening Operational Safety

Aviation safety is not a one-time certification exercise; it requires continuous operational oversight. This includes:

1) Monitoring pilot licensing and recurrent training
2) Inspecting Safety Management Systems (SMS)
3) Conducting random ramp inspections
4) Reviewing incident and hazard reporting procedures

Regular audits and data-driven supervision are essential to maintaining safety standards. Consistent regulatory vigilance not only protects passengers but also strengthens Somalia’s credibility within regional and global aviation networks.

Consumer Protection and Pricing Transparency

As domestic and regional routes increase, passengers have raised concerns about fluctuating airfares, unclear baggage policies, and inconsistent refund procedures.

Although regulators in liberalized markets do not typically fix ticket prices, they play a key role in ensuring transparency and preventing anti-competitive behavior. Measures could include:

1) Mandatory disclosure of total ticket costs and associated fees
2) Oversight of competitive practices
3) Clear standards for refunds and cancellations

Improved transparency would promote fair competition while protecting passengers from exploitative pricing practices.

Aligning with International Standards

As Somalia deepens its integration into regional and international aviation markets, compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) becomes increasingly critical.

Alignment with international benchmarks enhances safety, facilitates route expansion, supports code-sharing agreements, and encourages foreign investment in aviation infrastructure.

Building Institutional Capacity

To broaden its oversight effectively, the SCAA may require strengthened institutional capacity, including:

1) Additional trained aviation inspectors
2) Modern inspection tools and digital monitoring systems
3) Stronger enforcement mechanisms
4) Independent accident investigation capability

Partnerships with international aviation bodies could further support capacity building and regulatory modernization.

A Sector at a Turning Point

Somalia’s aviation sector plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting trade, and driving economic growth. Yet as passenger volumes increase, so too does the responsibility of regulators to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability.

Expanding oversight beyond airworthiness certification to include operational safety, cabin standards, and consumer protection would represent a significant step toward modernizing the sector.

By strengthening regulatory frameworks now, Somalia has an opportunity to restore public confidence and position its aviation industry as safe, competitive, and internationally respected in the years ahead.

Abdikarim Haji Abdi Buh
Email: abdikarimbuh@yahoo.com  
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Buh was the former Somali Airlines Head of Traffic Procedures & Standards Office.