MOGADISHU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Improvement in aviation safety and general security situation in Somalia has prompted foreign airlines to launch flights to Mogadishu, an airport official said on Tuesday.

Said Eliye, director of operations and international relations at the Mogadishu international airport, said with the rising confidence in the country's security, more international airlines were in talks to launch flights to Mogadishu in the coming years.

"We are always striving to have a safe airport as well as good service and safety. With support from AMISOM, the security has improved quite a lot," Eliye said in a statement issued by the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

His remarks came after Kenya Airways launched its direct flights from Nairobi to Mogadishu on Tuesday.

The Kenyan carrier is the third international airline to fly the Nairobi-Mogadishu route. Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines are already operating daily flights into Mogadishu, while Qatar Airways recently announced plans to start scheduled flights to Somalia.

Eliye said Qatar Airways and commercial carriers from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Uganda have expressed interest in operating flights to Somalia.

"The airport authority in conjunction with AMISOM have partnered to ensure there is security and safety. That is our number one priority," he added.