Mogadishu, July 2026. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) conducted a full-scale Aviation Emergency Response Plan (AERP) exercise in Mogadishu, bringing together the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), UNSOS sections and units, UNSOS /UNHQ Approved Air Operator (AOC), the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the Somalia Airport Authority (SAA), and other partners to strengthen preparedness and coordination in the event of an aviation emergency.
The live exercise simulated an aviation emergency scenario involving a UN helicopter and brought together aviation, fire and rescue, medical and support teams to practise coordinated response procedures. Participants tested key elements of emergency management, including search and rescue, firefighting, casualty care and evacuation, ensuring that all involved organisations remain prepared to respond effectively.
Held at the Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA), the live exercise was facilitated by the UNSOS Aviation Safety Unit assessed the readiness of Aviation, Movement Control, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Medical, Aviation Security, Airfield Support Unit and AUSSOM Military Aviation personnel attached to Joint Mission Air Operations Centre (JMAOC) and AERP key players under realistic conditions.
Reflecting on the importance of the exercise, UNSOS Chief Aviation Safety Officer and Exercise Director Kingsley Boateng highlighted that preparedness and coordination are essential to ensuring an effective response during any aviation emergency.
“We always have to prepare to succeed. And that is why we do these exercises, so that in case anything happens in real life, then we can respond faster and more coordinated. We assure people that in case of any eventuality, we are here to save lives and property. So that is the essence of this exercise”.
Beyond the exercise itself, Boateng emphasised the role of UNSOS in maintaining aviation safety and supporting flights operating in Somalia, supporting Somali Civil Aviation Authority and providing confidence to United Nations entities, partners and aviation stakeholders.
“We are always on standby to support all flights that come to Somalia. Showing how ready they are, it gives that confidence that even if something happened, touchwood, there's a crash, we will be there to support. And it gives that confidence for the operations here in Somalia”.
The month-long preparations for the AERP exercise were carried out by a combined team from Aviation Services and the Aviation Safety Unit. Prior to the live exercise, a Command, Control and Communication Exercise (COMEX) was conducted to review communication procedures, clarify roles and responsibilities, and coordinate the full-scale simulation.
Aviation Emergency Response Plan exercises support continuous improvement in aviation safety by enabling participating organisations to review procedures, strengthen interoperability and enhance collaboration, ensuring an effective and coordinated response to aviation emergencies while supporting safe air operations in Somalia.
