Near Miss Over Somalia: A Wake-Up Call for Air Traffic Safety

In a harrowing incident that underscores the fragility of air safety in conflicted airspace, a Qatar Airways Boeing 787 and an Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350 narrowly avoided a catastrophic mid-air collision over Somali airspace on February 24. This event not only highlights the inherent risks in navigating disputed territories but also brings to light the critical role of advanced collision avoidance systems.

Conflicting Instructions in a Disputed Airspace

The Qatar Airways flight, en route from Doha to Entebbe, and the Ethiopian Airlines flight, flying from Addis Ababa to Dubai, found themselves on a collision course due to conflicting air traffic control (ATC) instructions. The Qatar Airways crew, following directives from Mogadishu ATC, began to climb to a higher altitude, inadvertently positioning itself perilously close to the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft. This incident occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing airspace dispute between Somalia and Somaliland, adding layers of complexity to air navigation in the region.

TCAS: The Silent Guardian

At the heart of this near miss was the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), an onboard instrument designed to alert pilots of potential collision threats. As the Qatar Airways Boeing 787 ascended through 38,500 ft, TCAS issued a resolution advisory, urging the crew to revert to their original altitude, thereby averting a potential disaster. This swift response underscores the indispensable value of TCAS in modern aviation, serving as a last line of defense against human error and miscommunication.

Navigational Challenges Over Somalia

The airspace over Somalia, controlled by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) from the Mogadishu Area Control Centre, has been a hotbed of navigational challenges. With Somaliland claiming independent management of its airspace, despite being an internationally unrecognized state, the skies above this region are fraught with confusion and conflicting directives. The incident on February 24 is not an isolated event; it is a symptom of a larger issue that requires immediate attention and resolution.

A Call for Enhanced Coordination and Safety Measures

This near miss serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety protocols and enhanced coordination among ATC units, especially in regions marred by geopolitical disputes. The aviation industry must prioritize the implementation of unified air traffic management systems and the adoption of international standards to safeguard the skies. Moreover, the incident amplifies the call for airlines to ensure their fleets are equipped with the latest safety technologies, including advanced TCAS units, to mitigate the risks of air traffic conflicts.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The successful avoidance of a mid-air collision between Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines over Somalia is a testament to the efficacy of modern aviation safety systems. However, it also highlights significant vulnerabilities in air traffic management in conflict-affected regions. As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, the incident serves as a critical learning opportunity to enhance air safety protocols, improve ATC coordination, and ultimately ensure the well-being of passengers and crew in the skies.