Bossaso, Somalia Information (BSA / HCMF)

[slowto280]

Does anyone have any current information regarding Bossaso airport? Basically regarding safety and security operating into there. What type of passenger / baggage screening goes on there.


Information seems not easily accessible.


Have tried to contact SCAMA to no avail.


I know it has been recently upgraded and reopened with a 2,400m runway. Can't locate any airport layouts and can't find RFF category.


Any info or a contact(s) someone may have would be greatly appreciated. :ok:

[andrasz]

@slowto280

I doubt you will get any first hand information, it is not exactly the place seeing much traffic. Having been to some of the dodgier parts of the continent, I can suggest the following:


No matter what you are told, assume the worst. RFF likely does no exist, and same for security. I would not go in there until someone on the ground you know and can trust signals that the field is secure. I would take an armed security detail who is capable of checking anything/ anyone that gets loaded.


Google Earth is your best friend when it comes to airport layouts /conditions. Making a low pass to assess field conditions prior to committing to land is always a good idea.

[Wageslave]

My initial reaction to the OP was to scoff, Security in Somalia? 2400m runway? Screening???

Google earth is out of date as much building has evidently been done there and it appears no longer to be the dusty earth strip and tiny ramp shown.

But what it has turned into beyond a fancy new terminal building is anyone's guess.

From an internet search there is talk of adding a Km to the 2600m and paving it (another Km - why???) - so is it not already paved? Who knows?

Security? Well, it's Somalia. One man's "security" is another one's teenage thug in shorts and flipflops with a Kalashnikov. Who's payroll is he on defines his usefulness as "security".

Baggage screening? Again, who is paying who? And to do what? With what?

Betcha there isn't a fence around the place or the goats would starve, what price "security"?

I reckon you're in the best place on this forum - someone current on the place will show up eventually but from the tone of your post I take it you're not familiar with Africa, much less Somalia if you're asking such basic newbie questions questions as that. It apparently sees some commercial activity. Hope for your sale one of them reads PPRuNe.

Until then I'd suggest you stay well away as I don't think you're going to be the least bit comfortable with what you'll find there.

Somalia is way beyond left-field bandit country. If your operating comfort zone expects RFF, marshallers, Customs, rules, ATC of any sort, approach plates and procedures, performance calculations, terrain analysis or pavement bearing strengths Bosasso is likely to be a very rude awakening. It isn't much of a dirt strip , let alone an "International Airport" if there are no plates available for it, is it? As for "security"...dream on!

Wait 'til someone who operates there regularly can give some real-time info.

[slowto280]

Gents,


Thanks for your inputs.


Yes, it has been many years since flying Hercs in Angola (not Somalia...) Miss it? Nah....god times though....


As indicated perhaps someone with first hand knowledge will answer up.


Most likely, as you said, bring your folks to take care of what is needed.


Again, thanks gents! :D

[Smoketrails]

Just check youtube and search for Bosaso Airport and voila!

[Wageslave]

Just check youtube and search for Bosaso Airport and voila!


Right. A fat lot of useless info you get from that. You might even assume Somalia Airways continues to operate B707s - even out of the new paved and lighted Bosasso International!

You might even be duped into thinking that Somalia Airways exists at all in this particular time-warp.

Fantasy on this level is worryingly bizarre!

[Burnitt]

Hi slowto280, we went in there a few years ago. I will try find my old emails for the local chap who supplied all the gen.

Nice long gravel strip, which took a 727 now and then. VFR only, no fire, no, services, no baggage screening, no security besides the locals you hire into town. All very friendly and helpful. Standard Africa Ops.

Send me a PM and will share what I can.

[wabulabantu]

This company seems to be the current ground handler/etc

Sunrise Airports Services | Sunrise Airports (http://sunriseairports.com/)

[slowto280]

Guys, thanks much and apologies for late response. Burnitt, changed a bit since then - looks like nice paved runway now - small terminal. Seems I remember 727 (probably -200) had the heaviest footprint of turbines - perhaps has changed now...? Used to do gravel, but with an L-382... Wabul, did contact those folks and very helpful, put me in touch with additional airport folks. Turns out we aren't going to go anyway...... for now. Again, thanks!!