A passenger aircraft carrying 55 people veered off the runway at Somalia’s main international airport on Tuesday during an emergency landing, coming to rest on the nearby shoreline. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were recorded, despite visible damage to the aircraft.
The incident occurred shortly after departure from Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport, the country’s primary aviation hub. According to Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authorities, the pilot reported a technical problem approximately 15 minutes after take-off and requested permission to return to the airport.
Air traffic control granted the aircraft priority clearance to land. However, upon touchdown, the plane was unable to stop within the runway limits and overshot, eventually coming to a halt in shallow waters along the Indian Ocean coastline.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Fokker 50, a twin-engine turboprop commonly used for regional flights. Images circulating on social media showed the plane partially tilted with visible structural damage, including a broken wing and damage to the nose section. Passengers were seen calmly walking away from the aircraft under the supervision of emergency personnel.
Starsky Aviation CEO Ahmed Nur confirmed that the crew handled the situation in a professional manner. He stated that the pilot promptly communicated with the control tower after identifying the issue and was granted priority landing on runway 23. According to Nur, the landing was executed under emergency protocols, and the flight crew’s swift response played a critical role in ensuring passenger safety.
The flight had been en route to Gaalkacyo, a city in northern Somalia, when the problem was detected. Aviation officials have not yet disclosed the exact nature of the reported malfunction, pending the outcome of a formal investigation.
Somalia’s Transportation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh said the aircraft sustained damage but emphasised that all passengers and crew members were safe. He confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the runway overrun and to assess whether mechanical failure, runway conditions or other operational factors contributed to the incident.
Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to the scene. The African Union mission in Somalia stated on X that its personnel, alongside United Nations troops and local emergency services, assisted in securing the area and supporting evacuation efforts. Their involvement ensured that passengers were moved to safety without delay.
Aden Abdulle International Airport remains a critical gateway for Somalia, handling both domestic and international flights as well as humanitarian and diplomatic missions. The airport has undergone significant rehabilitation in recent years as part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure in the country.
Aviation experts note that runway overruns, while relatively rare, can occur due to various factors including mechanical issues, adverse weather conditions, pilot miscalculations or runway surface challenges. In this case, weather conditions at the time of the incident have not been officially cited as a contributing factor.
The Fokker 50 aircraft model, introduced in the late 1980s, is widely used across Africa and other regions for short-haul routes. Known for its reliability, the aircraft type has served numerous regional carriers for decades. However, as with all aircraft, strict maintenance and operational oversight are required to ensure continued safety.
The pilot involved in Tuesday’s incident has been widely commended for decisive action. Aviation analysts say that early detection of technical problems and immediate communication with air traffic control are essential components of emergency management. In situations involving potential mechanical faults, returning to the departure airport is often considered the safest course of action.
Passengers aboard the flight have expressed relief that the situation did not escalate into a more serious accident. Social media footage showed individuals disembarking without visible panic, suggesting that evacuation procedures were orderly and controlled.
Authorities are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records and cockpit voice recordings as part of the ongoing investigation. The findings will determine whether additional safety measures or operational reviews are required.
The incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and coordination between pilots, air traffic controllers and ground response teams. Rapid mobilisation of rescue services helped prevent injuries and ensured that passengers received immediate assistance.
While the aircraft sustained structural damage, officials have not indicated whether it will be repaired or declared a total loss. Aviation regulators will assess the extent of the damage before any decision is made regarding its future serviceability.
Somalia continues to rebuild its aviation sector after years of conflict and instability. Strengthening safety oversight and infrastructure development remains a priority as the country works to expand domestic and regional connectivity.
Tuesday’s runway overrun serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the critical role of training, communication and rapid response in mitigating those risks. Despite the dramatic images shared online, the absence of casualties stands as a testament to the effectiveness of emergency procedures.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
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