Passenger Aircraft Crash-Lands into Indian Ocean After Takeoff from Mogadishu
A passenger aircraft carrying 55 people crash-landed into the sea moments after takeoff from Somalia's main airport on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The Starsky Aviation flight overran the runway at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu and came to rest in shallow water at a nearby beach, following a technical problem shortly after departure.
All Passengers and Crew Safely Evacuated with No Injuries
In a remarkable outcome, all 50 passengers and 5 crew members aboard the aircraft were safely evacuated, with no injuries or fatalities reported. Airline CEO Ahmed Nur confirmed the successful evacuation in a statement, noting that the aircraft overran the runway before settling on the shore of the Indian Ocean.
"No injuries, no deaths," Nur emphasized, highlighting the effectiveness of the emergency response. Transportation minister Mohamed Farah Nuh added that rescue teams accounted for everyone on board, and only the aircraft sustained damage.
Technical Issue Forces Emergency Landing Minutes After Takeoff
The flight was en route to the northern city of Gaalkacyo when it developed a technical problem approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, according to Ahmed Moalim, director of Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority. During the attempted emergency landing, the aircraft veered off the runway and ended up at the shoreline.
Moalim detailed the sequence of events to local media, underscoring the swift actions taken by the crew and authorities. The cause of the crash is set to be fully investigated, as announced by Transportation minister Nuh, to ensure future aviation safety.
Investigation Launched into Crash-Landing Incident
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash-landing. This incident raises questions about aviation protocols and technical maintenance in the region, though the safe evacuation of all individuals is being praised as a positive outcome.
The event has drawn attention to airport safety measures in Somalia, with officials vowing to review procedures to prevent similar occurrences. The aircraft remains at the shoreline as investigations continue, with no immediate impact on airport operations reported.
