TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) Lead Consultancy for Airport Master Planning, Technical Investigations, Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Documentation

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

1. 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
TERMS OF REFERENCE Abdullahi Yusuf International Airport — Galkayo, Mudug Region, Puntland, Somalia
Galkayo Development Group (GDG) PLC | Confidential Page 2
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.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Request TOR Document Here: https://gdgsomalia.com/projects/airport/tor/

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

1. All prospective consultants are required to note and apply the revised submission deadline stated above. 

2. Proposals must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 15 July 2026 at 17:00 hrs (Mogadishu Time / EAT). Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. 

3. All other terms, conditions, and requirements of the original RFP and ToR remain unchanged and in full force. 

4. This Addendum forms an integral part of the RFP and must be read in conjunction with the ToR and the Batch 1 Clarification Responses. 

5. Consultants are requested to acknowledge receipt of this Addendum by return email to [email protected]. 

. REVISED TENDER TIMELINE

The following revised tender timeline supersedes the corresponding dates in Section 10.3 of the original Terms of Reference: Tender Issue Date: 01 June 2026 (unchanged) Revised Deadline for Clarifications: 05 July 2026 Revised Proposal Submission Deadline: 15 July 2026 at 17:00 hrs (Mogadishu Time / EAT) Revised Tender Period: Submission Email: 44 Calendar Days (extended from 30 days) [email protected] (unchanged) 5. SUPERSESSION OF BATCH 1 — QUERY 01 RESPONSE The response to Query 01 in the Batch 1 Clarification Responses (which stated that the submission deadline would not be extended) is hereby formally withdrawn and superseded by this Addendum. This Addendum takes precedence in all respects. The Batch 1 Clarification Responses document has been updated accordingly to reflect the revised deadline.