MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Airlines operating in Somalia have canceled all domestic and international flights that started on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, complaining of additional fees imposed by the Federal Government.
The Union of Somali Airlines, which represented nearly 20 airlines, said in a press release that they have stopped working, saying they had a disagreement between the Ministry of Transport and the Aviation Authority. SCAA airspace in Somalia.
“As of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Somali Airlines has completely suspended domestic and international flights pending a lasting solution,” the statement said.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) responded to this and denied that there was a disruption in the flight schedule, and warned against spreading false information. The SCAA justified the grounding of some aircraft for safety reasons, citing investigations that revealed maintenance issues.
“The Civil Aviation Authority has inspected domestic aircraft and found issues that could endanger the safety of passengers. These aircraft cannot fly until repairs are completed in accordance with the law,” SCAA said in a statement.
The SCAA has also accused some airlines of mishandling passengers and operational inefficiencies, including relying on other airlines to serve routes due to maintenance. long or without a plane in Somalia.
The Aden Adde Airport Authority has ordered the Favori airport management company to refuse to prevent airlines that are not operating at the airport.
“Some airlines are operating without a plane in the capital, sending passengers to other planes, which has interrupted the service in some regions,” SCAA added.
While the SCAA did not directly address the airlines’ complaints about the increased fees, the standoff underscores the broader challenges facing Somalia’s aviation sector, including regulatory compliance, operational inefficiencies , and financial disputes.