Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Development of Somaliland has secured a landmark investment agreement aimed at transforming Egal International Airport, the main gateway to the capital.
The deal, signed with the International Maharat Investment Company at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), is valued at $70 million and is set to usher in a new era of modernization for the strategic facility.
According to officials, the project will focus on expanding passenger terminals, upgrading runways, and improving safety and navigation systems to meet international aviation standards. Once complete, the enhancements are expected to increase capacity, attract more international carriers, and provide travelers with improved services and efficiency.
Civil Aviation Minister emphasized that the agreement is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it signals Somaliland’s commitment to boosting economic growth, trade, and connectivity with the wider region.
“Egal International Airport is the country’s primary hub, and this modernization will make it more competitive and reliable,” he noted.
The International Maharat Investment Company expressed confidence in Somaliland’s potential, describing the partnership as a long-term strategic venture. The firm pledged to deliver high-quality construction and technology to ensure the project’s sustainability.
Egal International Airport, named after former President Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, has long served as Somaliland’s key aviation hub. However, limited capacity and aging infrastructure have constrained its growth. This $70 million investment represents the largest single injection of funds into the airport since its establishment.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with phased implementation to minimize disruptions to current operations.