MOGADISHU, Somalia — A commercial airliner executed an emergency landing at Aden Abdulle International Airport on Tuesday after experiencing technical complications shortly after departure, resulting in the aircraft overshooting the runway and coming to rest in shallow waters along an adjacent beachfront.
The Starsky Aviation flight, carrying 50 passengers and 5 crew members, was en route to Gaalkacyo in northern Somalia when it encountered difficulties approximately 15 minutes after takeoff. According to aviation authorities, the pilot initiated emergency procedures and attempted to return to the airport.
During the landing maneuver, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway’s confines, veering off the tarmac and ultimately positioning itself at the shoreline of the Indian Ocean. The successful evacuation ensured all occupants exited the plane without physical harm.
Airline CEO Ahmed Nur confirmed in an official statement that despite the dramatic incident, “No injuries, no deaths” occurred. Transportation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh praised the effectiveness of the emergency response teams, noting that all individuals had been accounted for and only the aircraft sustained damage.
Somali aviation officials have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the technical failure and subsequent runway overrun. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in aviation infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the region.