Somalia Airspace
Current Status
The Mogadishu FIR (HCSM) covers a vast area including Somali territory and a large portion of Indian Ocean airspace critical for routing between Europe/Middle East and East Africa, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands. ATC services are provided by a combination of Somali civil aviation authority and ICAO-assisted operations, but capability remains limited.
a regional non-state armed group active in Somalia continues to operate across southern and central Somalia, though the primary aviation threat is at lower altitudes near airports rather than to overflying traffic at cruise altitude. Mogadishu Airport (HCMM) operates with enhanced security but has been targeted by indirect fire.
The overwater portion of the HCSM FIR carries significant traffic and is generally considered lower risk than the terrestrial portion. Airlines commonly transit the oceanic sectors while avoiding Somali territorial airspace below FL260.
Key Risks
Ongoing internal conflict with capability to target airports and low-altitude aircraft, primarily a ground-level and low-altitude threat.
Radar coverage gaps and limited controller capacity mean reduced separation services in parts of the FIR.
Mogadishu and other Somali airports face periodic indirect fire incidents and perimeter security breaches.
SAR capability is minimal for the overwater portion of the FIR, which covers a large Indian Ocean area.
Recent Events
ICAO continued technical assistance program for Somali ATC modernization, focusing on radar coverage.
a regional non-state armed group active in Somalia indirect fire incident near Mogadishu Airport perimeter; no impact on aviation operations.
Turkish Airlines maintained Mogadishu service, one of few major carriers to operate regularly into Somalia.
EASA & FAA Guidance
EASA advises enhanced risk assessment for operations in the HCSM FIR, particularly below FL260 over Somali territory. The FAA recommends US operators exercise caution in Somali airspace. The overwater portion of the FIR carries standard advisories. Airlines serving Mogadishu typically implement enhanced security and operational procedures.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about airspace conditions. Always consult official sources (ICAO, EASA, FAA) for operational decisions.