Iata has welcomed the reclassification of the airspace over Somalia and the surrounding region to Class A after 30 years.
This means that, from 00h01 on January 26, air traffic control services finally have been operationally restored across the Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR).
The reclassification of the airspace and the operational resumption of air traffic control has been made possible with the installation and commissioning of modern radio navigation and other technological infrastructure. It follows a successful trial that began last May.
Some of the region’s busiest airways linking the African subcontinent south of Ethiopia with the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, as well as Western Europe with the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands, traverse the Somali airspace, officially known as the Mogadishu FIR.
“The reclassification of the Mogadishu FIR as Class A airspace will significantly improve safety in the region and enhance efficiency,” said Iata Regional VP for the Middle East and Africa, Kamil Al-Awadhi.
“The upgrade of air traffic management and improved navigation and communication infrastructure will enhance situational awareness along an increasingly busy air corridor and its intersections with routes linking many of the world’s regions.”
