Mogadishu, Somalia – Flights between Mogadishu and Nairobi have reached an unprecedented low, with round-trip tickets now available for just $130 — a price that has surprised frequent travelers and industry analysts. The sharp decline, driven by intense competition among airlines, has made international travel between the two capitals cheaper than many domestic routes within Somalia.
The route, one of East Africa’s busiest short-haul connections, is now dominated by a fierce price war involving several carriers, including African Express, Salaam Air, and Skyward Express. Industry sources note that the competition has intensified in recent months as more airlines resumed full operations following years of limited schedules caused by insecurity, regulatory challenges, and fluctuating demand.
Aviation experts describe the price drop as part of a broader effort to attract passengers and rebuild market confidence in the post-pandemic era. Airlines are prioritizing passenger volume over short-term profit, using aggressive pricing to fill seats and reassert their presence in the region’s aviation market.
The reduced fares have also created new opportunities for Somalis traveling to Kenya for business, education, or medical care. The cost of a round-trip flight to Nairobi is now lower than some one-way tickets on domestic routes such as Mogadishu–Baidoa or Mogadishu–Garowe, highlighting the growing imbalance between international and local air travel costs.
Local airline operators, however, warn that this trend could have negative consequences for the domestic market. Operating within Somalia remains expensive due to poor infrastructure, high fuel prices, and elevated security costs. These challenges limit the ability of domestic carriers to match international fares or expand their services.
Despite the challenges, the surge in competition reflects a maturing aviation sector in Somalia. The Mogadishu–Nairobi route, once restricted by limited carriers and fluctuating schedules, now stands as a symbol of renewed regional connectivity and economic openness.
For now, passengers are the biggest beneficiaries — flying further for less as regional airlines continue to battle for dominance in the skies above the Horn of Africa.