Business

Turkish Airlines to start Mogadishu flights in 2012

December 18, 2011   ·   50 Comments

Turkish Airbus 310

DUBAI — The Turkish Airlines this week said it will add flights to and from the Somali capital at the beginning of January in 2012 as it tries to draw more African passengers.

Turkish Airlines (THY) CEO Temel Kotil told Anatolia news agency that THY will fly to Mogadishu twice-daily. The announcement follows as the government of Turkey deployed  engineers to renovate and modernize the airport in Mogadishu.

The Turkish government announced dozens of development projects for Somalia including hospitals, schools, scholarships, roads and other key infrastructures. Ankara says its vision for Somalia is more than just the infrastructure.

The Somali public has hailed the Turkish initiatives and expressed their gratitude to the Turkish government and people for their generous support. Somalis are excited about the THY’s expansion plans. Since the visit by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Mogadishu in August to rise awareness about the Somali crisis–the Somali people no longer feel forgotten. Somalis are optimistic and feel a wind of change is on its way. Turkey might rescue Somalia from itself. The Turkish nation has promised to leave no stone unturned until Somalia achieved a lasting peace.

The national flag carrier airline of Turkey is yet to reveal the flight routes and dates when it will begin direct flights to Mogadishu. With the new connection offering direct flights to Somalia which was no-go-zone for the last two decades, the new THY connection will be ideal to many Somalis in the Diaspora. THY plans to carry 38 million passengers in 2012 and generate $7.8 billion in revenues.

Somalilandpress

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Readers Comments (50)

  1. Abdulrahman Ahmed says:

    Turkish Airlines is going to terror infested Mogadishu!!! This will cost Turkey very much, and Al-Shabab may bring it down….

    Turkey is trying to re-establish Othman Rule, but at the wrong approach. Somalis need food and shelter but not five-star airline that even no Somali, as far i know, can aviod. I am sure it will be too expensive to Sharif Ahmed too.. looooool

    Let us hope that Turkey achieve its plans in Mogadishu to bring the world attention back, as there are people in need….

    It is very funny idea.. Do the Turkish government believe that world tourists will come to Mogadishu? Funny, or they want to give free tickets to Somalis in Europe and America… That will be good for us…

    Turkish government need to have another approach and send troops to Mogadishu to stablize the situation, then it can start flying to Mogadishu….

    What a funny?!!! Turkish Airlines going to Mogadishu!!!

     Reply
    • Fuaad says:

      I would like to be the first to use this airline. There are many people who are eagerly waiting, just watch and see.

      Fuaad Ahmed.

       Reply
    • Andy says:

      You are small minded…There are millions of Somalians living outside of the country…watch how they will bring business into Somalia…where there is possibility of transportation, there is possibility of commerce and trade….Mr.Erdogan's AK Party has made impossible possible. AK Party has risen up the bankrupt economy by tripling the GDP and income per person ONLY in ten years. $200B GDP now exceeded $800B, export has risen from $30B exceeding $130B in only 10 years. When they said what they will be doing once they are in power 10 years ago, some laughed and all thought they would have been satisfied if the party achieved 1/4 of their promises. Alhamdulillah, they have surpressed not only everyone's expectation but also their own..hence, they have won third successive term for total of 12 years with increasing votes each time…first time in the Turkish political system and even maybe in the world.

       Reply
      • XAQ U DIRAR says:

        Andy is very smart guy who knows the realty and i enjoy reading your comment thank you

         Reply
  2. Kayse says:

    As a Somalilander I welcome the Turkish Airline decision to add Mogadishu to their growing list of destinations. Just because those southerners are war mongers, violent and uncivilized people, doesn't mean they dont deserve some international services and access.

    I believe most Somalis will not be able to afford the Turkish airline tickets unless it decides to match the Malaysian Airlines, Royal Brunei and even Emirates. Yes the Turkish Airlines, a world class no doubt, is more expensive than the Emirates.

    Most Somalis I know fly with the British Airways or Malaysia. I personally use the Royal Brunei (must for any true Muslim). This airline will make you proud, no alcohol, before the flight takes off they make dua and read the Quran. Thank you Royal Brunei, I hope you will fly to Hargeisa in the future.

    Small country, very rich, humid, very fertile and green with lush rain forests…Brunei is amazing, everything is so cheap, you can have a full lunch with $1 which has same value as the USD. Petrol is only $0.25 per liter, schools are free, university is free, all you have to do is bring your soul and body to class, even stationary is provided.

     Reply
    • Mahamoud says:

      Hmm ..here I was thinking a true muslim would not collectively insult a whole nation of muslims by calling them uncivilised, while bragging about flying halal..a case of misplaced priority. Mind your language and behave as the CIVILISED man you're claiming to be!

       Reply
      • Darwiish says:

        Well said Mahamoud. Kayse needs reminding who & where he's from sometimes.

         Reply
    • Jabuuti_Hanolaato says:

      Imbecile!

       Reply
    • sagal says:

      you need to join those free education facilities n get rid of ur ignorance bt then again no amount of schooling can help u. What a waste of human space.

       Reply
      • Xaq u dirir says:

        Well said Sister
        I see they have a baby brain so i tread them like a kid

         Reply
    • said says:

      hey,bro can you tell me more about brunei i am intrested to about how to live their with family,can email me more information pls.my email[ hamduchaps@hotmail.co.uk]

       Reply
  3. Jama Jiir says:

    Viva Turkeye and Galatasaray. Finally Turkey is under the control of the real Osmans (sons of Ottomans). I was getting sick of those sell-outs who were crying after EU. They gave up all their culture, values, wisdom, heritage and religion for EU and got them no where. Look at the EU today, Turkey can afford to fund poor countries like Somalia while Greece (the main opposition to Turkish-EU membership) can't even feed it self. Let's see what EU does for Greece. Keep pumping the debt in those Greeks.

    Allah has save-guarded our good friend Turkeye. Erdogan is true Osmaniya. We will fly with the Turkish Airlines with pleasure and comfort in mind. We will work with the Turkish people and government at all levels.

    Turkey needs resources, Somalia has resources but we need your help first. We have no problem doing business with a fellow Muslim brothers.

    May Allah protect Turkey and the children of Erdogan.

     Reply
  4. Jama Jiir says:

    Lets make prayer for Turkey and its current leadership, they have been kind and fruitful to all Muslims including those that were forgotten in Somalia and Palestine. Turkey is real power house and does not need the EU. Since the birth of the Turkish nation, they have been self reliant, strong, confident and brave nation. Today when they down grade themselves and run after EU which their fathers used to order around, it makes me feel isolated.

    I know the Turkish history. I know the Turkish nation and the West idolized Mustafa Kamal (Ataturk) to brain wash the young Turks. They betrayed him as a hero but in reality he destroyed the Turkish nation at all levels.

    Some Turks will argue he established the current Turkeye but what they don't get is Turkeye could have included the Balkans and parts of Russia and beyond.

    The EU has always feared the Turkish nation and believes the best way of weakening Turkey is by brain washing them and making them abandon their religion, roots, culture and views.

    Turkeye you only need Allah.

     Reply
    • Muhiddin says:

      Selamun Aleykum Brother Jama,

      We are totally in support of Somalia and its future. It is our duty to support our brothers and sisters and become a great Umma that Prophet Muhammad (S.S) told us to create. However, I have to make one correction to your posting. Ataturk did not idolize the west. He actually hated them. He wanted to have a totally free nation with no chains to its future. As soon as he died, the 2nd President of Turkey and his crew took over and changed the direction of the country and started West influence. Ataturk made the first constitution in 1924 and the first article of that const. says “Turkey is an Islamic State”. However Ataturk made mistakes like every human being such as giving Salah in Turkish which was reversed later. There is a big difference between pro-modernism and kissing Western a**. Currently this government in Turkey has not changed the following kufur in Turkey: alcohol is free to make, distribute and drink, prostitution is legal. Gambling is done by state lottery. Banks are controlled by Western banks and they charge interest. Also government offices charge interest. Certain Tarikah are banned or persecuted. And these were all illegal during Ataturk time until he died with the exception of alcohol. Ottomans had alcohol too.

       Reply
  5. Greets from Türkiye says:

    Greetings to all my friends and brothers in Somali and worldwide.

    I hope we can help a little bit to ease the pain. I hope this steps will lead to peace, stability and development of Somalia and East Africa.

    I wish you will develop even stronger as Türkiye economically and ethically. We are neither proud to give help to someone in need and neither are we jealous if someone is better than we are.

    We are brothers, many things have to change in the world. Let us start changing today, now!

    Selaam

     Reply
    • Jadoore says:

      Thank You, when you extend a friendly hand to someone, you will get a friendly hand extended to you when you need it. Turkey is helping rebuild a nation, she (Turkey) is renovating a broken land (literally). May Allah protect it and grant it's people peace and serenity through eternity

       Reply
  6. amal says:

    Turkey is coming back gradually arfter they have been fooled and destroyed. They are hope for for Somalia whilst the rest of the UN and AU don't care much. May Allah bless Turkey for remebering their muslim brothers and sisters at time of need; this flight to Mogadishu is a sign of coming peace (things might have been settling for them to make that move) I believe once peace is found in Somalia they will NEVER go back to war and anarchy because I'm sure they learn a good lesson with pain and know what war exactly is. Somaliland too went through that painful process first in 1988 genocide and then in 1995 civil war and they just had to grow out of it and learn how to govern themselves once and for all and sit together (all clans). This is what Somalia needs to learn; how to sit down together and governm themselves once for all. inshAllah peace will prevail amoung Somalis. UN doesn't realy care if they do care is if it is costing them money.

     Reply
  7. Jabuuti_Hanolaato says:

    I am beginning to like Turkey and the Turks more and more as each article about Turkey's concerns about Somalia is addressed in the media. Turkey's concerns are genuine and appreciated by all Somalis, even those of us with Djibouti passports. I am glad you are helping my brothers and sisters in Somalia. Time away from school and funds permitting, I would put Turkey on my itinerary as a top vacation spot.

     Reply
  8. Abraham says:

    I welcome Turkey's initiatives in Somalia but I am not very sure if the twice daily flight planned for Mogadishu in January is economically viable at least until real peace and governance returns to Somalia. Has the airline management conducted market research before making commitments? I don't think there will be enough people going to Mogadishu to fill two Turkish planes daily given that there is already competitive services connecting Mogadishu to other parts of East Africa and beyond. However, anything that brings some sign of normalcy to Mogadishu is welcome.

     Reply
  9. Mowlid Macaane says:

    A Somali entrepreneur and a businessman who owns a chain of franchises petrol stations around London has promised to help his country to launch back the National Carrier; the Somali Airlines with the help of Alitalia and THY.
    Somali Airlines was the national airline of Somalia. The carrier was formed with assistance from Alitalia, the Italian airline, in March 1964 as the flag carrier of Somalia.
    The airline began operations in March 1964, with Alitalia holding a 49% stake. Somali Airlines used a fleet of leased Boeing 707s, Somali Airlines operated flights from Mogadishu to London via Cairo, and also flew to Rome. In 1974.

     Reply
  10. Mowlid Macaane says:

    http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airl

     Reply
  11. mohamed cheers says:

    Turkish Airlines to start Mogadishu flights in 2012 is a step forward taken in the right direction.
    Already the Turks are engaged in many other areas helping Somalia out of its bad crisis along with
    the IC. The policies of Turkey towards Somalia and the East African Countries and throughout
    Worldwide under the wise leadership of the turks Govts. nowadays will no doubt bring
    about better understandings amongst the World leaders of our times.Egypt is another that needs
    to purify itself from the Military nuisance authoritarian powers and act in democractically elected
    modern secular-Islamic Civil society Govts. with a newly drafted Constitution guaranteeing Civilian
    Govts. headed by Civilan leaders not Military leaders. With the Turks around looks like Somalia is
    warming up to see light of sunshine at the end of the Tunnel.
    Cheers.

     Reply
  12. Allemagan says:

    Brother Selaam from Turkey wrote "We are neither proud to give help to someone in need and neither are we jealous if someone is better than we are". unfortunately, the blight of Somali people is rooted in these two words that are in this short sentence; pride and jealousy. First, somalis as a race have a foolish pride to govern themselves or allow others to govern them. The British historian Richard Burton had a keen eye when he called them "anarchists" at the beginning of the last century. Each region in Somalia calls itself an independent state or republic and is in conflict with the neighbouring region. Chaos prevails since the departure of Somali dictator Siyad Bare in 1991. As for jealousy, many comments in this posting are nothing but an anger or disappointment that the Turkish Airways is not flying tor enclaves. Many of these comments would be positive if THY announced it will fly to Hargeisa or Bosaso. I wonder if Somali people will ever learn to cooperate for their common good. Let us all welcome the helping hand of the brotherly Turkish people to save us from ourselves.

     Reply
  13. Allemagan says:

    Brother Selaam from Turkey wrote "We are neither proud to give help to someone in need and neither are we jealous if someone is better than we are". unfortunately, the blight of Somali people is rooted in these two words that are in this short sentence; pride and jealousy. First, somalis as a race have a foolish pride to govern themselves or allow others to govern them. The British historian Richard Burton had a keen eye when he called them "anarchists" at the beginning of the last century. Each region in Somalia calls itself an independent state or republic and is in conflict with the neighbouring region. Chaos prevails since the departure of Somali dictator Siyad Bare in 1991. As for jealousy, many comments in this posting are nothing but an anger or disappointment that the Turkish Airways is not flying to their enclave. Many of these comments would be positive if THY announced it will fly to Hargeisa or Bosaso. I wonder if Somali people will ever learn to cooperate for their common good. Let us all welcome the helping hand of the brotherly Turkish people to save us from ourselves.

     Reply
    • mohamed cheers says:

      We are focused on the Somalia plight but we should not forget that the Turkish Airlines to start
      Mogadishu flights in 2012 is purely business like other Airlines already in business operations.
      We should not polarise the opportunity beyond the business point of view and by the same token
      hopefully the fares will be affordably cheap and tolerable!. There are good pax traffic movements between
      the GCC and E.African Countries and the Turks could take their lions shares…why not.
      Cheers.

       Reply
      • Allemagan says:

        If you mean the competitive pax traffic movements between the GCC and E. African countries to be Juba Airways and Daalo Airlines, these so-called airlines are very dangerous and unreliable. I am not sure if anyone will even insure those throw-away aircrafts. The last time I have been to Hargeisa, it took me three days and four different airlines to get there. As Daalo airlines was having financial troubles at the time, I had to switch my booking to Juba Airways. The condition of those ancient planes was abhorent. The seat belts were not working, most of the seats were creaking and worn out and the luggage compartments were missing doors. I wonder how UAE allows a plane of that condition to fly to its airports or overfly on populated localities. I won't even be surprised if some of the passengers on that flight were not travelling standing. Thank god I survived that nerver raking flight From Dubai to Berbera. Finally, I don't see the Turkish Airlines operation as purely business venture. As the article suggested, Turkey is trying to bring some sort of normalcy to a crazy corner of the earth. Whehter Somali people will take advantage of this opportunity or as usual squabble about why Turkey is extending to them helping hand is another matter.

         Reply
        • mohamed cheers says:

          The Turkish Airlines will join the fleet Airlines already in business operations.
          You are free to express your experiences buddy but please make no mistake about it that
          the turkish Airlines are purely for business and we have to see if/when it becomes operational
          what better services the travellers would enjoy. Thank you again..your criticism might finger
          the asses of these poor carriers to improve their Aircraft services.
          Cheers.

           Reply
          • Allemagan says:

            Mohamed,
            Other than those I've mentioned in my earlier post, I would really love to hear from you some of the other names of the fleet of airlines already in business operations in Somalia. As to the veracity of my comment on the conditions of the planes that currently fly to Somalia, do not take it for my word. Read the comments and experiences of others who have put their opinions in this post.

             
          • mohamed cheers says:

            I understand buddy. Let's call it a day. shall we.
            Cheers.

             
  14. Kayse says:

    I am fully behind this announcement by THY and I hope it materializes because it would benefit so many Somalis. Currently most of them use the poor and dangerous carrier of the French camp known as Djibouti —Daallo Airlines.This scrape metals with the Russian engine are not safe for mothers and children. There is no AC, the seats are all falling apart and they stay in a hot, dried airport in Djibouti which only serves alcohol.

    I would personally fly with Turkish Airlines to Mogadishu and from there find other small carriers to Hargeisa.

    Somali people will welcome any thing other than Daallo Airlines and Jubba.

     Reply
    • amal says:

      tell me about it, why would any Somali not welcome this airline. I had a nightmare experience with daallo and was so pissed with colaad in dubai

       Reply
      • Kayse says:

        hahahahaha Colaad and ilkacase are the worst business men, they should face criminal charges to be honest. While I was in Dubai we launched an official compliant against Daallo with the Dubai airport officials but I doubt they will ever do anything until those greedy-qat-addict individuals kill people.

        I couldn't believe when Daallo asked all the mothers to vacate seats for their overbooking and asked the mothers to hold their kids on their laps.

        This airline is illegal and the worst–I will write an article soon.

        I heard African Express is far better which takes you directly to Berbera. Colaad calool weyn should be arrested.

         Reply
        • amal says:

          They always have the same problem, nothing ever changes. They almost ruined my holiday (well they already ruined my journey in great deal) Good that you are thinking of writing an article, they should have learn a lesson by now after getting a mouthful from everyone they screwed with. You see even if they care about money and business; that's not how you do it. African Express is much better walalo. People who went through Berbera had no problem getting to hargaisa whilst most of daallo's passengers were stuck in dubai.

           Reply
      • ismail ahmed says:

        hi waan ku salamay walaal hadii aad diyaar u tahay soo dhawaaw turkish airline inaad nala shaqeyso waa loo baahanyahay dadka sidaado kale any u well come

         Reply
  15. Abdinasiir says:

    This sign show there is light the end of tunnel. Inshaallah Somalia will be peace and we will hold our hands together and forget the past and move forward to the future and make new beginning inshaallah.
    Turkish Airline will fly future all over Somalia Hargeysa, Burco, Kismayo, Bosaso.

    There is offshore oil drilling soon in Canadian company so the future is pride inshaallah.

     Reply
  16. Mustaf says:

    I can promise you that all the criticism is comming from somalilanders and it is all due to hate and jealousy.

     Reply
    • Ogadeniya says:

      What are you talking about?.. no one is criticising anything.. this announcement would be good for all somalis..

       Reply
      • Mustaf says:

        I'm talking about the comments.

         Reply
  17. PuntlandGeezer says:

    Look at me now,
    ooohhhh Myyyyy babyyyyyy issss Issaqqqqq
    look at me now
    my ghetto issssss in Hargeisaaaa Ohhhhhhh yeaaaaa
    Look at me now
    Oh, look at me now plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

     Reply
    • Ogadeniya says:

      Walle yurub iyo mareekan waa lagu waasha….! bal ninkan eega!

       Reply
  18. Jamal Adan says:

    Umm 'Mustaf' i think that's completley wrong i think if any one was jelouse, it would be Somalia. But i think Somaliland need to forget what happened to them and agree to have talks with the TFG then only would Somaliland be recognised.

     Reply
    • Mustaf says:

      first off all why would somali's hate on somali's that doesn't make sense and secondly there is nothing called somaliland what so ever and there will never be i mean it might hurt but it's the truth, i mean all is it is a selfdeclared region of Somalia. So just forget all the recognition jokes son

       Reply
      • Darwiish says:

        Tooo right

         Reply
  19. Suleiman-Hargeisa says:

    I would like to say two things; one thing to Somalis the other to Turkish brothers. To Turkish brothers, in 20 yrs, Somalis sufer a lot and lost everything valuable from A to Z. You gave us hope and stood up for us when everyone else left us. Speaking on behalfe the good Somalis, I would like to apologise the negative comments they do on your efforts to safe us from ourselve and the hope you want to create for my people. Our enemy use bad Somali people in different way and strive to take away every good chance we get.

    To bad Somalis; Enough is enough. Your time is doomed. To good Somalis; it is your time to prove you care and contribute to build your nation and save our beloved country and work with your truely Turkish brothers.

     Reply
  20. libaan says:

    allahu akbar long live Turkey

     Reply
  21. Ali says:

    I think it is time that some so called "somalilanders" by them selves to show some repect to their fellow somalians.
    if somalia is in trouble today you should sever with them because their trouble is your trouble as Prophet Mohammed PBBH when one muslim is in pain all the muslms are in pain too because we are all one organ.
    on the other hand if turkey is tarts flights to mugadisho you should all be happy about it at least your brothers can travel to visit they family

     Reply
  22. FIFAhwye says:

    EVERYONE LISTEN UP RESPECT OUR FELLA SOMALIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNN BECAUSE THEY R VERTY GANGESRTREDSHHHHHHH . MACHALLAH. ME HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWIIIIIIIIIIYYYEEE.

    SOMALILAND OLNY HOOD LEEEE,?

     Reply
  23. Dalmar Daauud says:

    YAAAABKA ADUUNKA
    Waxaa layaab iyo doqon nimo eh sida dadka qaar ay uga faalloonayaan mowduucan,runtiina marka la aqriyo waxaad dareemeysaa in doqonno badan ay ''Comments'' ay iska qorayaan ayaga oo aan fiirinin waxa uu ku saabsanyahay hadalkan ,dabcanna kuma saabsano wax gobballesi ''British Somaliland & Italian Somaliland'' oo wax ka quseeya ayaaba leheen ee wuxuu ku xisaabsanyahay (shirkad ku jirta tartan dhaqaale) iyo iyada oo maanta aragtay goob baahi diyaaradeed ay ka jirto ayna dhaqaale ka sameyn karto meeshaas.

    Tankale caawinaadda Turkiga waxa waaye mid bini aadannimo haddana qaas ku ah koonfurta Soomaaliya maadaama ay dhibaatada ugu badan ay meeshaas taasho hadana wax farqi ah oo dhaxeeya majiraano Muslin iyo gaalba markey heesato dhibaato bani-aadannimo,wuxuuna qofka wax caawiyay mudanyahay Mahad wuxuu ahaadabo.
    Aan isweydiinne meeqo hay'adood ama shirkadood ayaa ka shaqeeyaan Somalia?…….Waxbadan sax ? MSF,WFP,FAO,UNDP,AFRICAN RELIEF,MUSLIM AID,RED CROS,SOMALI MEAT FRESH,LAAS QORAY,JUBBA,DALO &kuwa kale oo fara badan ,dhammantoonda waxey ka shaqeeyaan bani'aadannimo ama dhaqaalo u tartan.

    Marka shirkada duulimadka ee Turkiga iyo hay'adda caawinaada Turkiga waxaey kala leeyihiin labo shaqo.

    Si sharaf leh uga dhiibo fikraddaada ama wax aan qiimo ku fadhinin iska sheeg.
    Turkish airline waxey aragtay baahi jirto ayna lacag ku sameyn karto dadbadanna oo Soomaali ahna way ka heli doonaan.
    Cawaainaadda dowlada Turkigana waa bani'aadannimo dadka baahan ayayna quudineysaa meel kastoo joogaan.

    Mahdasanidiin Somalilandpress.

    NABAD IYO CAANO NOLOL IYO HORMAR!

     Reply
  24. Guusha-Garxajis says:

    hey guys iam somalilander and first of all i dont agree we are jealouse of our brother somalia at the end of the day we are all somalis as an ethnic first then muslims just like how qatar wud support libya or egypt as an arab brothers……we are all somalis first then we r jabouti, somaliland, puntland or somalia so stop… we migh unite one day like swiss confedrates….!!! Viva turkey as true muslims

     Reply
  25. Xaq u dirir says:

    Abdulrahman Ahmed I'm not trying to insult you, but after i read carefully your comment , you sound like you have baby brain,or you are kid who just playing around ether way, I'm confuse how come you will be against the window of our opportunity,as he mentioned above Mudane Andy is very smart guy who knows the realty and i enjoy reading your comment thank you

     Reply