SOMALIA AIRLINES: The Airline My Government Warned Me NOT To Fly!

• Airline: Daallo Airlines
• Class: Business
• Route: Nairobi (NBO) to Mogadishu (MGO)
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-300

We are diving straight into one of the absolute most extreme, highly requested, and controversial flight reviews I’ve done in a long time.

If you check almost any Western government website right now, be it the US State Department, the UK Foreign Office, or my own German government—the advice for Somalia is loud and clear: DO NOT TRAVEL. Red zones everywhere. Extreme risk warnings.

So, naturally… I booked a ticket.

Today, we are flying with Daallo Airlines on a classic Boeing 737-300 all the way from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) straight into Mogadishu (MGQ) and yes, we are doing it in Business Class! Is it a total security nightmare, or are the government warnings completely blown out of proportion? Let’s find out!

My journey started early at Nairobi Airport. Now, if you’ve flown around East Africa, you know check-in can be a bit chaotic, but when you’re boarding a flight bound for Mogadishu, everything steps up to a whole new level.

• Check-In: Surprisingly smooth, but the agents check your documents with absolute precision. No room for error here.
• Security Checks: Before even getting on the bus to the remote stand, there are extra manifest checks and rigorous hand searches of all cabin bags.
• The Boarding Moment: Stepping out onto the tarmac and seeing that classic vintage Boeing 737-300 waiting for us… man, what a beauty! Aircraft like this are becoming so rare in modern aviation. Walking up those air stairs gave me instant nostalgia.

Cabin & Seat: A Pure 1990s Time Capsule

Walking into the Business Class cabin, it felt like I literally stepped back into 1994.

• The Seats: Forget modern lie-flat pods or direct aisle access. We’re talking proper 2×2 plush leather and fabric recliners!
• Legroom: Absolutely massive. Pitch for days. You can really stretch out, and the seat padding is so much softer than the rock-hard iron-board seats airlines put on modern jets today.
• Cabin Condition: Look, let’s be real—this bird has seen some serious life. There were scuffs on the panels, retro overhead air vents, and clear signs of heavy wear and tear. But was it clean? Surprisingly, yes!

Onboard Service & Catering: True Somali Hospitality

This is where things always get interesting. People often expect cold service in high-risk zones, but the Somali people are famous for their warmth—and this crew proved it immediately.

• The Crew: From the moment I stepped onboard, the flight attendants welcomed me with genuine, beaming smiles. They were so kind, professional, and excited to have me on board.
• The Meal Service: Shortly after takeoff, as we climbed out over Kenya, the crew rushed into action to deliver a full hot meal tray. For a short regional hop, I was super impressed:
  • Hot local meat dish served with rice and flavorful spices.
  • Side salad, fresh bread roll, and dessert.
  • Note: Daallo Airlines operates under dry flight rules, so no alcohol here, just fresh juices, water, and soft drinks.
• In-Flight Entertainment: Absolutely zero screens or Wi-Fi, but who cares when you’re staring out the window at the Horn of Africa?

The Landing into Mogadishu

As we began our descent into Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, the views over the Indian Ocean were absolutely breathtaking. Crystal clear blue waters crashing right up against the coast of the city.

Touchdown on the runway was buttery smooth! But as soon as we turned off the active runway, reality hit: heavy security infrastructure, armored vehicles, and blast walls surrounded the perimeter. A stark reminder of where we just landed.

The Verdict

So, should you listen to the government warnings?

From a purely aviation perspective, flying Daallo Airlines in Business Class was a absolute highlight! The plane may be old and worn around the edges, but the warmth of the crew, the solid legroom, and the delicious hot meal made this an unforgettable adventure.

It’s raw, it’s authentic, and it’s aviation at its core.

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This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!