Daallo Airlines: A Somali-Owned Airline Connecting Continents

Daallo Airlines was founded in 1991 by Mohammed Ibrahim Yassin Olad in Djibouti. The airline began operations on March 20, 1991, and soon became one of the few carriers connecting Somalia and other countries in the Horn of Africa to global destinations. The company’s mission was clear: to provide safe and reliable air travel in a region where transportation options were limited.

In the early 2000s, Daallo Airlines operated a small but capable fleet, including Antonov An-24RV, Let 410 UVP-E, and Tupolev Tu-154M aircraft. These planes were used to serve key destinations like Dubai, Djibouti, Mogadishu, Jeddah, and other cities across Africa and the Middle East. By March 2000, Daallo Airlines had 42 employees, reflecting its growth and importance in the regional aviation sector.

Over the years, Daallo Airlines expanded both its fleet and destinations, with the airline employing over 100 staff members by 2007. In a major move, Istithmar World Aviation, a subsidiary of Dubai World, became a shareholder in Daallo, allowing for further investment and expansion. However, the airline also faced significant challenges, including suspending its operations in March 2010 due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, Daallo Airlines resumed operations later that year, re-establishing itself in the market. Daallo Airlines maintained a significant presence on its European routes, especially in servicing flights to Paris and London from Djibouti. These routes catered to both African expatriates and business travellers until operations on these routes were suspended in 2009. Despite these challenges, Daallo Airlines’ resilience and ability to navigate the complex aviation landscape allowed it to bounce back.

In February 2015, Daallo Airlines made headlines when it merged with Jubba Airways, another major Somali airline. The two airlines formed a new holding company called the African Airways Alliance, aimed at enhancing air travel connectivity in the Horn of Africa. Despite the merger, both airlines continued to operate under their respective brand names, maintaining their identities while benefiting from shared resources and infrastructure. This merger strengthened Daallo Airlines’ ability to serve the Horn of Africa, as well as the Middle East, by streamlining operations and improving service reliability. By joining forces with Jubba Airways, Daallo was able to reach more customers, provide better services, and navigate the competitive aviation industry with increased financial backing.

Today, Daallo Airlines operates as a trusted carrier for passengers traveling between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. With its base at the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the airline continues to prioritize safety, reliability, and customer service. Daallo remains an important player in regional aviation, providing a critical link for Somali travellers, business professionals, and the Somali diaspora across the globe. The airline continues to evolve, exploring new opportunities for expansion while maintaining its core mission of connecting Africa with the Middle East. Daallo Airlines’ journey over the past few decades demonstrates its resilience and commitment to bridging regions and serving passengers with quality air travel options.

As one of the few Somali-owned airlines still operating, Daallo Airlines holds a unique position in the aviation industry. Its journey from a small airline founded in Djibouti to a key regional player speaks volumes about its ability to adapt, grow, and overcome challenges.