Mogadishu International Airport

Imagine a landing where the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean seem poised to touch the wing of your aircraft. This is exactly how Mogadishu International Airport welcomes its guests—the country's main air gateway located right on the picturesque coast. It is not merely a transport hub, but a revitalised symbol of hospitality, where modern comfort meets the warm sea breeze. From the very first moments, one feels the distinct rhythm of the Horn of Africa here, promising travellers unique impressions.

Airport Features and Highlights

Aden Adde International Airport stands out among many other air harbours due to its unique character and a range of advantages:

• Scenic Location: The airport is situated directly on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The runway runs parallel to the coastline, providing passengers with breathtaking views of azure waters and white sands during take-off and landing.
• Compactness and Convenience: Thanks to the terminal's small size and clear layout, all pre-flight procedures are completed quite quickly. Passengers do not need to cover huge distances between check-in counters and boarding gates.
• Renovated Infrastructure: Following extensive reconstruction, the airport offers a modern level of comfort, including clean waiting halls, a VIP lounge, and improved air conditioning systems, which is particularly important in the hot climate.
• Proximity to the City: The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from central districts and the "Green Zone," significantly reducing transfer times to hotels and major institutions.

Below you will find contact information for Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu, which will assist you in planning your trip and in case any questions arise.

• Official Website: All current information regarding flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website: mogadishuairport.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information and enquiries, you can call: +252 617 111 112.
• Airport Address: Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu, Somalia.
• Email: For general enquiries and suggestions, please use the address: info@mogadishuairport.com.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative first. To contact the airport's lost and found service, you can write to: lostfound@mogadishuairport.com.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger assistance and resolving issues, you can use the main airport telephone number and email address listed above.

Getting to Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ), also known as Aden Adde, from the city centre of Mogadishu requires careful planning. For reasons of safety and convenience, it is strongly recommended to organise your transfer in advance. The airport is located in close proximity to central districts, and the journey usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, though this time may increase due to security checkpoints and traffic conditions.

Taxi and Private Transfer

This is the most reliable and recommended method of transport for international guests. Most hotels and security companies in Somalia offer airport transfer services. Booking a car through a verified party ensures your safety. The cost of the trip varies significantly depending on the security level of the vehicle (standard car or armoured) and the provider. Always agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Using random street taxis is not recommended.

Public Transport

There are local route buses (matatus) in Mogadishu, but this mode of transport is not suitable for tourists. They lack a clear schedule, routes can be confusing for visitors, and the level of comfort and safety does not meet international traveller expectations. There are no trains or metro systems in the city.

Car Rental and Parking

Car rental in the traditional sense (self-driving) is practically unavailable and not recommended for foreigners. Typically, "car rental" implies hiring a car with a local driver who knows the city well and is familiar with security measures. If you are arriving at the airport in a private vehicle, parking spaces are available on the premises, but most travellers use the drop-off service, where the driver simply drops them off at the terminal.

Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ), also known as Aden Adde, is equipped with one main and modern passenger terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. This centralised structure significantly simplifies navigation for travellers.

The airport layout is quite simple. The terminal has several levels: the Departures area is usually located on the upper floor, while the Arrivals area is on the lower floor. Signs in English and Somali help you orient yourself easily. Since all passenger operations are concentrated in one building, there is no need to transfer between terminals, making the process of connecting flights or arriving/departing maximally convenient.

The Departures area houses airline check-in counters, security screening points, and passport control. After completing formalities, passengers enter the secure area (airside) with waiting lounges and boarding gates. The Arrivals area is equipped with border control counters, baggage claim belts, and customs control. The exit from the Arrivals area leads to the taxi rank and parking.

Although the terminal is not vast in size, it offers basic amenities for passengers, including seating areas, several small cafes, and shops. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, allowing at least 2-3 hours before an international flight. This allows you to calmly go through all procedures, which may take time depending on how busy the airport is.

To navigate the airport, simply follow standard international signage. Staff are generally ready to assist and direct passengers. Due to the terminal's compactness, getting lost here is quite difficult, making the stay at Mogadishu Airport relatively comfortable and predictable.

The history of Mogadishu International Airport, now known as Aden Adde International, is closely intertwined with the turbulent history of the country itself. The airport was established in the late 1920s as a military airfield. After Somalia gained independence in 1960, it became the country's main air gateway and the home of the national carrier, Somali Airlines, actively developing and expanding in the 1970s and 1980s to accommodate large international flights.

The outbreak of civil war in the 1990s marked a tragic chapter in the airport's history. It was closed to commercial flights, and its infrastructure suffered serious damage. During this period, the airport gained global prominence as a key base for international humanitarian missions and peacekeeping operations aimed at assisting the population.

A new era for the airport began in the 2010s. Thanks to significant international investment, primarily from Turkey, extensive reconstruction was carried out. In 2015, the grand opening of a new, modern terminal built to international standards took place. This event became a symbol of revival not only for the air harbour but for the entire city of Mogadishu.

Interesting fact: in recognition of his merits and to symbolically break with the difficult past, the airport was named after Aden Abdullah Osman Daar—the first president of Somalia. Today, Aden Adde Airport is a vital transport hub that reconnects the country with the rest of the world, receiving flights from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, serving as a visible example of resilience and hope for a peaceful future.

Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ), the main air hub of Somalia, offers passengers a set of essential services and amenities to make waiting for a flight more comfortable. While the infrastructure may not be as extensive as in major global hubs, everything necessary for travellers is available here.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or taste local cuisine. There are also shops selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and duty-free goods. This is a great opportunity to buy a memento of your trip before departure.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, and access more stable internet. Common areas of the airport have Wi-Fi access, and stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets are equipped.

The airport operates currency exchange points and ATMs, allowing you to easily resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, there is a medical point in the terminal where first aid can be provided.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Assistance is provided for moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft. For travellers with small children, there are mother and child rooms where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels within the airport building itself, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity, which is convenient for transit passengers or those with early flights. Some of the nearby hotels may also provide conference rooms for business meetings.

Dining at Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ) offers travellers the chance to refresh themselves before a flight, focusing on simple but hearty food. Do not expect a huge food court with global chains here; however, several small cafes and eateries in the main terminal offer a decent selection for a comfortable wait.

Most establishments are located in the Departures area (airside), after passing passport control and security screening. Here you can taste Somali cuisine—a great chance to enjoy local flavours one last time before leaving. Look out for rice with meat and spices (bariis) or hearty stews (maraq). For a quick snack, sambuusas—triangular pastries with meat or vegetable filling—are perfect. Of course, more familiar international options such as sandwiches, pastries, and soft drinks are also available.

An important plus for many travellers is that practically all food in the airport is Halal by default, complying with local traditions. Vegetarians will likely find rice dishes with vegetables or lentil soup, though specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are extremely rare. Prices in cafes are generally moderate. Opening hours are usually aligned with the schedule of international flights, so you will be able to have a snack even early in the morning or late at evening.

If you are short on time, the aforementioned sambuusas or a fresh sandwich are the best choice. If you have an hour or two before departure, it is worth ordering a full hot meal, for example, a portion of aromatic rice with goat meat or chicken. This will not only satisfy your hunger but also leave a pleasant gastronomic memory of Somalia.

To ensure your journey through Mogadishu International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these proven tips. Proper preparation is the key to a comfortable start and end to your trip to Somalia.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights, and 2 hours for domestic ones. This allows enough time to calmly go through all formalities, which may take longer than expected. If the airline offers online check-in, be sure to use this opportunity to save time in queues.

Passing Control. Keep all necessary documents—passport, visa, tickets—close at hand. Be prepared for security screening procedures to be quite thorough. Calmly follow the instructions of security staff; this helps speed up the process for all passengers.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Familiarise yourself with your airline's hand luggage rules in advance. Standard restrictions include a ban on carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances. To avoid issues at customs control, honestly declare all goods subject to declaration.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, whilst an aisle seat allows you to move freely without disturbing neighbours. If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again. Find out the gate number for your next flight immediately upon arrival in the transit area.

How to Save Money. Prices for food and drinks in airports are often higher. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and some light snacks. Packing luggage wisely will help avoid extra charges for excess weight.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays happen, and it is important to remain calm. Monitor information on departure boards and in your airline's app. Ensure you have essentials in your hand luggage: a portable charger, a book, or headphones to brighten the wait. Contact an airline representative to learn about your rights regarding the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation during long delays.