Mogadishu, Somalia – A passenger plane carrying 55 people veered off the runway at Aden Abdulle International Airport on Tuesday, coming to rest in shallow waters of the Indian Ocean during an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
The Civil Aviation Authorities reported that the pilot requested permission to return just 15 minutes after take-off, citing technical problems. The aircraft attempted to land but overran the runway, eventually stopping on the nearby shoreline.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Images shared on social media showed travelers calmly walking away from the wreckage of the Fokker 50 aircraft, which sustained a broken wing and nose.
Pilot Praised
Starsky Aviation CEO Ahmed Nur commended the crew’s professionalism:
“The crew managed it professionally and communicated with the tower. The tower granted priority landing. They landed, runway two three.”
The flight was bound for Gaalkacyo, a northern Somali city. Quick thinking by the pilot is being credited with saving lives.
Government Response
Somalia’s Transportation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh confirmed that only the aircraft was damaged. He announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
Rescue Efforts
The African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said emergency responders, alongside AU and UN troops, were swiftly deployed to assist with rescue operations.
Conclusion
While the incident highlights ongoing challenges in Somalia’s aviation sector, the safe evacuation of all passengers underscores the importance of effective emergency response and crew training. The investigation will now focus on identifying the technical fault that forced the emergency landing.
