In a remarkable incident at Mogadishu's main airport, all 55 individuals aboard a passenger aircraft survived unscathed after the plane overran the runway and came to rest in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. The emergency landing occurred on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, with no reported injuries or fatalities among the passengers and crew.
Details of the Emergency Landing
The aircraft, operated by Starsky Aviation, had departed from Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, bound for Gaalkacyo in northern Somalia. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot encountered a technical issue, prompting an immediate decision to return for an emergency landing.
During the landing attempt, the pilot overshot the tarmac, veered off the runway, and ultimately stopped at the shoreline of a nearby beach. The plane, identified as a Fokker 50 with registration number 60-YAS, sustained damage, including at least one snapped wing, but remained largely intact on the sand.
Response and Investigation
Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, accounting for all 50 passengers and five crew members. They were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation as a precautionary measure, though no injuries were reported. Mohamed Farah Nuh, Somalia's transportation minister, confirmed that everyone on board was safe and accounted for.
Ahmed Nur, the chief executive of Starsky Aviation, stated that the aircraft overran the runway before coming to a halt on the shore, emphasising that there were no deaths or injuries. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with initial reports indicating the incident occurred at 1.17pm local time (10.17am UK time).
This event highlights the effectiveness of emergency procedures in aviation safety, as all occupants survived a potentially catastrophic situation. The investigation will focus on the technical problem that led to the emergency landing and the factors contributing to the runway overrun.
