In brief
- On 13 October 2015, Goobjoog News reported Turkish firm Favori's claimed turnaround at Mogadishu's Aden Adde Abdulle Airport.
- Favori's marketing manager said phase one, including terminal and cargo sections, was finished, but runway lighting and parking were outstanding.
- The report does not establish what has happened since 2015, including whether ICAO certification was obtained.
On 13 October 2015, Goobjoog News reported that Turkish ground handling company Favori had turned around fortunes at Aden Adde Abdulle Airport in Mogadishu, according to the company's marketing and public relations manager, Mustafa Durgut.
Goobjoog reported that Favori signed a contract with the Somali government in 2013. The contract involved building a new international standard terminal, managing the facility, and developing it to incorporate industry standard facilities.
What was claimed complete
Mustafa Durgut told Goobjoog News that Favori had finished phase one of the project, which involved construction of the terminal and cargo handling sections. The second part, he said, involves expansion of the apron and ramp site to accommodate more traffic.
Durgut said the terminal and cargo sections were ready for night flights, but the runway still lacked lighting. The facility also needed a car parking area and VIP parks.
Durgut said Favori was engaging with the UN aviation agency ICAO to get certification for the airport.
Commissioning and operations
The new terminal was commissioned jointly by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan early in 2015, Goobjoog reported.
Goobjoog said Turkish Airways led the park with daily flights to Mogadishu. An integrated ticketing system, Durgut said, had eased operations for airlines and could translate to a slash in airfares as airlines experienced reduced costs and improved efficiency.
Challenges
Durgut told Goobjoog News that security and bureaucracy in movement of goods and passengers were major challenges. All equipment and machinery had to be imported, and clearance from African Union troops, AMISOM, slowed operations. Passengers experienced extensive security checks.
Frequently asked questions
What operational improvements did Favori claim at Aden Adde airport?
According to Goobjoog News on 13 October 2015, Favori's marketing manager said phase one was complete, including the terminal and cargo handling sections, which were ready for night flights except for runway lighting. An integrated ticketing system was also reported to have eased airline operations.
What were the revenue and passenger traffic changes under Favori?
The Goobjoog report does not provide passenger or cargo traffic data. It states only that Turkish Airways had daily flights to Mogadishu and that reduced costs could later translate to lower airfares.
What lessons can be learned for other airport concessions in fragile states?
The report highlights challenges such as security clearances through AMISOM for imported equipment, extensive passenger security checks, and bureaucratic hurdles in moving goods and passengers, though no outcomes beyond 2015 are documented.