Aviation History
Djibouti's aviation sector developed around Djibouti-Ambouli Airport, built during the French colonial period and strategically positioned near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. A national carrier operating under the Air Djibouti name served the country from the pre- and post-independence era but ceased operations in the early 2000s amid financial difficulties, before being relaunched in the mid-2010s to rebuild regional connectivity.
The airport that would become Djibouti's principal international gateway was developed under French colonial administration.
A territorial airline predecessor began scheduled air services under French Somaliland, forming the basis for Djibouti's later national carrier.
Djibouti gained independence from France, establishing its own civil aviation authority and continuing national air service under the Air Djibouti name.
The original Air Djibouti ceased scheduled operations amid financial difficulties, leaving Djibouti without a dedicated national carrier for over a decade.
Air Djibouti was relaunched with new investment and government backing, resuming scheduled service to regional destinations across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Air Djibouti
Wikipedia, CAPA airline profiles, regional aviation news reporting