Wednesday January 22, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Airlines operating in Somalia have suspended all domestic and international flights starting Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in protest of increased fees imposed by the federal government.
The Somali Airlines Operators Association, representing nearly 20 airlines, announced the suspension in a statement, citing disagreements with the Ministry of Transport and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).
"Effective Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Somali Airlines has completely suspended all domestic and international flights until a lasting solution is reached," the statement read.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) responded by denying disruptions to flight schedules and warning against spreading misinformation. The SCAA attributed the grounding of certain aircraft to safety concerns, citing inspections that revealed maintenance issues.
"The Civil Aviation Authority conducted inspections of domestic aircraft and found issues that could endanger passenger safety. These aircraft cannot fly until repairs are completed in accordance with the law," the SCAA said in a statement.
The SCAA also accused some airlines of poor passenger handling and operational inefficiencies, including relying on other airlines to serve routes due to prolonged maintenance or lack of planes in Somalia.
The administration of Aden Adde International Airport instructed Favori, the airport's management company, to deny counter access to airlines without operational aircraft stationed at the airport.
"Some airlines operate without planes in the capital, booking passengers through other carriers, which has disrupted service to certain regions," the SCAA added.
While the SCAA did not directly address the airlines' grievances regarding increased fees, the standoff underscores broader challenges within Somalia's aviation sector, including regulatory compliance, operational inefficiencies, and financial disputes.