Project: Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport Modernization Program
Phase 1: Development of 3.5 km Runway, Passenger Terminal and Core Airside Infrastructure
Client: Galkayo Development Group (GDG) PLC
Location Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport, Galkayo, Mudug Region, Puntland, Somalia
Issued By: Abdulahi Yusuf Hussein — Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GDG PLC
Date: June 2026
Document Status: FINAL — FOR TENDER SUBMISSION
- INTRODUCTION and PROJECT BACKGROUND
1.1 About Galkayo Development Group (GDG) PLC
Galkayo Development Group (GDG) PLC is a Somali infrastructure and development company
headquartered in Galkayo, Puntland State of Somalia. GDG was established with a mission to
catalyse sustainable economic growth in Puntland and the broader Horn of Africa region through
strategic investment in critical infrastructure.
GDG holds a long-term Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement from the Government
of Puntland, granting the company exclusive rights to finance, develop, operate, and ultimately
transfer Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport to public authority after the agreed concession period.
This concession positions GDG as the primary private-sector vehicle for airport modernisation in the
region.
The company brings together a multi-disciplinary leadership team with expertise in aviation
infrastructure, construction project management, real estate development, financial structuring, and
regional logistics. GDG is committed to delivering this airport project to the highest international standards, attracting foreign direct investment and creating substantial employment opportunities for the people of Puntland.
1.2 About Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport
Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport is situated in Galkayo, the capital city of Mudug Region and a
major commercial centre of Puntland State of Somalia. The airport serves an estimated catchment
population exceeding 500,000 people across Puntland and central Somalia, with strategic importance
as a logistics and humanitarian hub for the Horn of Africa.
Currently, the airport operates with limited infrastructure that restricts its capacity to handle modern
commercial aviation. The existing runway is short and degraded, terminal facilities are rudimentary,
and airside safety systems fall below international standards set by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO). Air traffic is predominantly served by small turboprop aircraft, with very limited
jet operations. The airport has no instrument landing capability, no modern ATC infrastructure, and
lacks sufficient apron space for multi-aircraft operations.
Despite these constraints, the airport occupies a strategically valuable land footprint and is located
adjacent to the growing urban economy of Galkayo. The site has sufficient land available for phased
long-term expansion, and preliminary assessments confirm the feasibility of developing a full-length
international runway capable of accommodating wide-body jet aircraft.
1.3 Strategic Rationale for Modernisation
The modernisation of Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport represents one of the most transformative
infrastructure investments in Puntland’s post-conflict development trajectory. The strategic rationale
for this programme is built on multiple pillars:
- Economic Connectivity: A modern international airport will directly connect Galkayo to Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) cities, East African hubs, and European destinations, opening
Puntland’s economy to trade, investment, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
• Humanitarian and Aid Logistics: The airport serves as a critical entry point for humanitarian
operations across central and northern Somalia. Upgraded cargo facilities will significantly
improve the speed and volume of aid delivery during emergencies.
• Private Sector Investment: International standards-compliant infrastructure will signal to
international investors, airlines, and logistics companies that Puntland is open for business,
accelerating foreign direct investment.
• Aviation Safety: The current state of airside infrastructure presents material safety risks.
Bringing the airport into compliance with ICAO Annex 14 standards is a humanitarian and
regulatory imperative.
• Regional Hub Potential: Galkayo’s geographic centrality within Somalia positions this airport
as a potential regional hub for passenger and cargo operations across the Horn of Africa.
- OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The primary objective of this assignment is to engage an internationally experienced, technically
qualified aviation consultancy firm to provide professional services for airport master planning,
technical investigations, detailed engineering design, environmental and social assessments, and
procurement support for Phase 1 of the Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport Modernization Program.
Construction Supervision services shall be undertaken through a separate and independent
consultancy appointment to ensure objectivity, impartiality, and compliance with international best
practice.
The specific objectives are:
- To prepare a comprehensive, internationally benchmarked Airport Master Plan providing a
20-to-30-year strategic vision and phased development framework for the airport. - To conduct all necessary preliminary technical investigations including topographical
surveys, geotechnical investigations, hydrological studies, and aeronautical assessments
required to underpin detailed engineering design. - To produce fully detailed, construction-ready engineering designs for all Phase 1 airside and
landside infrastructure components, meeting ICAO, FAA, and applicable international
standards. - To conduct a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) consistent with the
World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Somali national environmental
regulations. - To prepare complete tender documentation including Bill of Quantities, technical
specifications, and contract documents to enable competitive international procurement of
construction contractors. - To facilitate the appointment of an independent Construction Supervision Consultant (under
a separate consultancy contract) to provide full-time construction supervision services during
the construction phase, ensuring works are executed to approved designs, specifications,
quality standards, and safety requirements. The separation of design and supervision
responsibilities is a deliberate measure to eliminate any conflict of interest and to ensure
objectivity, impartiality, and compliance with international best practice. - To support GDG in all technical and advisory capacities throughout the programme,
including liaison with aviation regulatory authorities, government agencies, financiers, and
international partners.
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