Somaliland -Somalia Conflict airspace The risk to regional aviation, confusion and operational challenges for international airlines.
Hargeisa (ANN)- The Main Event: Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has declared that any flight entering its airspace without permission violates its sovereignty and will face legal action.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!· Somaliland’s Justification: The government claims it is acting to enhance flight safety and security in accordance with international (ICAO) regulations.
The New Directive
In an official press release,the ministry announced that “action will be taken in accordance with national and international aviation regulations” against unauthorized flights. The statement also affirmed the government’s intention to use International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) procedures to bolster the safety and security of all flights using Somaliland’s airspace.
· The Trigger: This is a direct response to a recent order from the Somali government’s aviation authority (SCAA).
Root of the Conflict: The E-Visa Order
This firm stance comes as a direct response to actions taken by the Federal Government of Somalia.Recently, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) issued orders to international airlines, including Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines, demanding strict screening of passengers bound for Hargeisa.
A SCAA letter dated October 31, 2025, explicitly states that its campaign is targeting travelers to Hargeisa, requiring them to obtain a Somali e-visa before departure. This move was initiated after authorities in Mogadishu observed individuals arriving in Hargeisa without the visa.
· Somalia’s Order: The SCAA has demanded that airlines (like Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines) must check for a Somali e-visa for all passengers traveling to Hargeisa.
Impact and Escalation
The Somali e-visa order has been a source of significant frustration for Somaliland citizens,who view it as an infringement on their travel. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition, considers itself a separate sovereign state.
The conflicting regulations from Mogadishu and Hargeisa over the control of airspace and passenger travel pose a potential risk to regional aviation, creating confusion and operational challenges for international airlines.
· The Core Conflict: Somalia sees travel to Hargeisa as domestic and under its visa authority. Somaliland sees it as international travel to a sovereign nation.
· The Result: A standoff that creates legal and safety risks for aviation, with two governments issuing conflicting rules for the same airspace.
Related: Somaliland Civil Aviation has imposed strict orders on aircraft using its airspace
Written by Arraale M. Jama, freelance journalist and human rights activist. Sourced from Araweelo News Network / Associated Online Agencies