IATA Pilots Billing and Settlement Plan in Somalia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has just launched a pilot of its Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) in Somalia, with a full rollout scheduled for the end of May 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Somalia’s aviation sector, which is undergoing modernization after decades of challenges.

Pilot Participants:
Four travel agents and several airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, are part of the initial phase.

Expansion:
By May 2026, the BSP will be open to all airlines and more than 300 travel agents operating in Somalia.

Purpose of BSP:
It simplifies financial transactions between IATA-accredited agents and airlines, ensuring streamlined cash flow, cost-effective sales management, and stronger financial controls.

Global Scale:
In 2025, BSP processed over 700 million transactions worth USD 242 billion across 180+ countries.

Government Vision:
Somalia’s Minister of Transport emphasized the ambition to position Mogadishu as a transport hub for the Horn of Africa, leveraging growing regional and global connectivity.

IATA’s Support:
The initiative aligns with IATA’s Focus Africa program, which aims to accelerate secure and efficient financial services in aviation across the continent.

Why It Matters
This move is expected to:
- Boost Somalia’s integration into the global aviation network.
- Strengthen financial infrastructure for airlines and agents.
- Support economic revitalization by improving trade and travel links.