Hiiraan Online
Saturday September 28, 2019
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The Federal Government has lifted the 24 hour travel restriction for flights heading to Kismayu.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority said Saturday in a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) the previous notice dated September 23 had lapsed. All flights can resume normal operations, the notice read.In NOTAM last week, the aviation authority ordered all airlines to file in a notice 24 hours before departures to Kismayu. The order came a day after former President Sheikh Sharif was barred from boarding a plane to Kismayu September 22.
The travel restrictions attracted public condemnation with former Presidents Sheikh Sharif and his successor Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accusing the Federal Government of using the airspace as ‘political weapon’.
Analysts read the restrictions as a move to deny Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe guests during his inauguration.
Jubbaland Government however postponed the inauguration from September 26 but did not indicate a new date.