The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) officially restored Class A air traffic control services over Somalia; this marks 30 years since radio navigation in Somalia went offline.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the reclassification of Mogadishu Flight Information Region to Class A airspace will enhance safety by providing better situational awareness for pilots flying in the country’s upper airspace.
Previously, pilots flying over Somalia relied on announcing their aircraft’s position, altitude, heading, and speed over a dedicated radio frequency, leaving it up to other airborne pilots to be tuned in and monitor these broadcasts. With no ground control to coordinate traffic and assign flight levels, there was no warning for pilots if their aircraft were approaching too closely.
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.
IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Kamil Al-Awadhi.
After successful trials that commenced in May 2022, the reclassification of the airspace in the Mogadishu FIR has been implemented and air traffic control has resumed operations.
Moreover, it is now mandatory for all flights operating in Class A airspace to receive clearance from air traffic control, which is also responsible for ensuring lateral and vertical separation between aircraft.
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