MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Growing frustration is mounting among the Somali public over the services provided by Sahal, the company responsible for transporting passengers to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
Many citizens accuse the company of imposing excessive fees and creating unnecessary difficulties for travelers.
Despite the short distance—less than one kilometer—between Sahal’s drop-off point and the airport itself, the company charges passengers $8 per person for a local ride.
For a single family or group of 20 individuals traveling together, this amounts to $160, even for domestic flights.
The situation becomes even more burdensome for those traveling internationally. Sahal charges $11 per person for transport to the same airport, which would cost a group of 10 passengers $110—a steep price considering the minimal distance involved.
In addition to the inflated transport fees, Sahal has implemented a controversial new policy regarding ticket validation.
The company no longer accepts tickets purchased via mobile phones unless they are printed out. Passengers are now required to print their tickets on A4 paper at an additional charge of $0.50 per print, which many see as an unnecessary and exploitative measure.
These issues have sparked widespread complaints and led to public calls for government intervention.
Yesterday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre paid a visit to Aden Adde International Airport, where he conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction and general operations.
During his visit, the Prime Minister met with airport officials and workers to discuss various concerns, including the growing dissatisfaction with airport cleanliness and passenger services.
Speaking at the site, the Prime Minister expressed his dismay at the current conditions:
“What is happening at Aden Adde Airport can no longer be tolerated. I came here in response to the public’s complaints. What I witnessed was even worse than what was reported to me.”
The Prime Minister ordered immediate improvements to airport services and emphasized that Somali citizens deserve respectful and efficient treatment at all levels of airport operation.
In response to the growing public anger, several Somali citizens have urged the Prime Minister to directly address the specific issues involving Sahal Transport Company, which many believe is exploiting travelers with its unclear pricing, poor communication, and unreasonable demands.
As public pressure continues to build, all eyes are now on the government to take action and ensure transparency, fairness, and improved services for passengers using Mogadishu’s main airport.