A passenger plane in Somalia crashed into the sea near Mogadishu’s main airport on Tuesday, shortly after taking off, prompting an urgent emergency response from rescue teams and aviation officials.
The aircraft, operated by Starsky Aviation, had departed from Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu and was travelling to Galkayo, a city in northern Somalia.
Officials have not confirmed any fatalities or serious injuries so far, but they have launched an investigation into what caused the crash.
The incident has drawn attention because it happened close to Somalia’s busiest airport and involved a flight carrying dozens of passengers.
What happened in the plane crash in Somalia?
According to Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft experienced a technical fault around 15 minutes after departure. The crew reportedly decided to return to Mogadishu in an attempt to carry out an emergency landing.
However, as the aircraft approached the runway, conditions reportedly worsened. Officials say the plane lost control during the approach, drifted away from its intended path, and crashed near the coastline instead of landing safely.
Plane crashes/ incidents in Mogadishu Somalia continues.
Today a Fokker 50 operated by starsky with reg 6O-YAS and has been in service for the past 36 have crashed into the coast after skipping the runway.
Due to the poor air safety and having no SAR in Somalia it’s apparent… pic.twitter.com/SwCrsrFp6w
— Safwaan (@maxed_s) February 10, 2026
The aircraft ended up along the shores of the Indian Ocean, close to the airport area. Emergency services reached the crash site quickly after the incident, helping passengers and crew members out of the aircraft.
Where did the passenger plane crash in Somalia?
The crash happened near Aden Abdulle International Airport, which serves as the main airport for Mogadishu and is one of the busiest transport hubs in Somalia.
The aircraft came down close to the coastline, which likely allowed rescue teams to reach the scene faster than if the crash had occurred in a remote inland region. Local authorities sealed off the area as part of the emergency operation and investigation.
Why did the aircraft crash shortly after take-off?
Authorities believe a technical problem triggered the emergency situation, although they have not yet released details about what exactly failed.
Ahmed Moalim, director of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, said the aircraft developed difficulties soon after take-off.
The crew attempted to return to Mogadishu for a controlled landing, but the situation reportedly became harder to manage as the aircraft approached the runway.
Aviation investigators will now focus on key areas, including the aircraft’s mechanical condition, maintenance records, pilot decision-making, and whether weather or runway conditions played any role in the loss of control.
How many people were on board the plane?
Initial reports suggest the aircraft was carrying up to 50 passengers and crew members. However, officials have not yet released a confirmed passenger list or the final number of people on board.
At the time of writing, Somali authorities have also not confirmed whether there were any serious injuries or deaths.
Rescue teams were seen assisting passengers at the crash site, and medical checks are expected to form part of the official response.
What has Starsky Aviation said about the crash?
Starsky Aviation had not issued a detailed public statement at the time of reporting.
This is not unusual in the early hours following an aviation incident, as airlines often wait for confirmation from aviation authorities and emergency responders before making official announcements.
A formal update from the airline is expected once passenger details and early investigation findings become clearer.
What happens next after the Somalia plane crash?
Somali authorities have confirmed they have opened an investigation into the incident.
Investigators will examine the aircraft’s remains, review communication between the flight crew and air traffic control, and assess whether the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure that made a safe landing impossible.
They will also consider whether airport safety measures, runway conditions, or operational issues contributed to the aircraft ending up in the sea.
A full report may take weeks or months, depending on the extent of damage and the availability of flight records.
Why does this crash matter beyond Somalia?
Although this incident happened in Somalia, aviation accidents often attract international interest because safety lessons can apply across the industry.
Even small technical failures can turn into serious emergencies if conditions worsen quickly, and incidents like this often lead to stricter checks and new safety recommendations.
For the wider public, the crash is also a reminder of how heavily modern aviation depends on routine maintenance and rapid decision-making in the cockpit.
