On February 2, a Daallo Airlines flight experienced an in-flight explosion approximately 15 minutes after departure. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, returned to Mogadishu Airport and landed safely following the event.
Initial reports varied: some accounts suggested two or three people may have been ejected through a hole in the fuselage, while other reports indicated no passengers were seriously harmed. Daallo Airlines’ official statement clarified that one passenger was reported missing after landing and two other passengers sustained minor injuries. Authorities later discovered the body of an elderly man in a nearby field; investigators are considering whether this is the missing passenger.
Daallo Airlines emphasized its safety history in the statement, noting a 25-year record without fatalities and that the airline complies with European regulations for registration and maintenance. The airline also highlighted that its flight crew are recruited from European countries.
As of February 3, Civil Aviation authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Hermes Airlines and Airbus are also involved in the inquiry to determine what happened and to assess any technical or operational factors.
The situation remains under active investigation, and officials are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.