Somalia, UNHAS Sustaining Humanitarian Access in Somalia
The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire, with access constraints limiting support to vulnerable communities. As conflict, insecurity, and poor infrastructure leave many areas reachable only by air, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) provides a vital lifeline. Through its support to UNHAS, Switzerland enables humanitarian and development actors to sustain operations, deliver life-saving assistance, and reach those most in need.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Somalia |
Emergency Relief and Protection
Protection, access & security
Humanitarian efficiency |
01.08.2026
- 31.12.2027 |
CHF 950’000
|
- World Food Programme
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Material relief assistance and services
Relief co-ordination; protection and support services
Aid Type Basketpooled multi-donor fund
Project number 7F11767
| Background | The absence of reliable commercial aviation services combined with political instability and poor infrastructure, makes UNHAS the sole way for humanitarian and development actors in Somalia to reach vulnerable communities in remote areas. Notably, 90% of UNHAS destinations are not served by UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)-approved commercial airlines. In 2025, UNHAS conducted 2’300 flights transporting 8’900 passengers, primarily humanitarian staff from UN agencies (47%), international (36%) and national NGOs (12%), and 233 metric tons of life-saving cargo. UNHAS Somalia continues to play a vital role in enabling operations across the country. However, against the background of global reductions in Offical Development Assistance, UNHAS is facing its lowest level of contributions in years. |
| Objectives | Facilitate a principled and effective humanitarian and development response in Somalia. |
| Target groups |
Direct: non-governmental national and international organizations, UN organizations, technical partners, diplomatic missions and donors. Indirect: Government authorities and beneficiaries in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas in Somalia. |
| Medium-term outcomes | The humanitarian and development community in Somalia is better able to reach vulnerable people and respond to needs and emergencies. |
| Results |
Expected results: • Deliver high-quality, principled air transport services • Maintain a commitment to aviation safety, security, and capacity building • Supporting host government with aviation related infrastructure and capacity building • Strengthen partnerships/donor advocacy and stakeholder engagements • Invest in staff capacity building to improve workforce agility and adaptability • Systematically reduce environmental impacts, ensure regulatory compliance and increase efficiency Results from previous phases: N/A |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Supporting UNHAS will sustain access to all hu-manitarian and development partners in Somalia. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 950’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 500’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 950’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.08.2026 - 31.12.2027 (Current phase) |
