Announcement from Somaliland Government on Air Travel Regulations
New Travel Restrictions
On November 20, 2025, the Somaliland government announced significant changes to air travel arrangements involving the capital city, Hargeysa, and Mogadishu. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, travelers departing from Hargeysa heading to third countries, as well as those arriving from third countries intending to transit through Hargeysa, will be prohibited from stopping in Mogadishu. This decision is deemed necessary for enhancing security, as authorities believe that it may not be safe for Somaliland citizens to pause their travels in the capital city.
Security Concerns
The ministry’s communication emphasized that the action stems from ongoing concerns about the security of travelers originating from or headed to Somaliland. As part of their responsibilities under Article 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding safety and security, the ministry resolved that starting December 1, 2025, passengers flying from Hargeysa to any third destination will not be allowed to transit through Mogadishu. The government’s mandate is clear: security of citizens remains a paramount priority.
Airline Compliance and Adjustments
In light of this directive, the ministry instructed all airlines operating flights to adjust their ticketing processes to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Flights connecting Hargeysa to international destinations must now refrain from facilitating any transit through Mogadishu. The language of the announcement indicated a strong commitment to uphold international and national security regulations concerning air travel.
Background of Tensions
This development comes amid a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the federal government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration. Recently, the Somali federal government introduced a new visa regulation requiring travelers headed to Hargeysa to secure a visa from the federal authorities. This policy has sparked disputes, with Somaliland officials arguing that it undermines their autonomy and security protocols.
Air Traffic Management Changes
Furthermore, the government of Somaliland recently mandated that all flights wishing to traverse its airspace must receive clearance from the Egal International Airport in Hargeysa. This order has reportedly been followed to varying degrees by airline operators, with some choosing to redirect their routes away from Somaliland airspace.
Visa Regulation Breach
Just this past week, it was reported that airlines operating from Somaliland airports halted requests for Somali visas from travelers bound for Hargeysa. This change was triggered by an alleged breach of the visa system that compromised personal data of approximately 35,000 individuals, prompting the Somali authorities to initiate an investigation into the incident.
Continuing Challenges with Airlines
Despite commitments from various airlines to adhere to Somaliland’s regulations, sources indicate ongoing issues. Notably, it has been claimed that FlyDubai has resumed asking passengers headed to Hargeysa and Berbera for federal visas, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regulations and the cooperation of airline companies.
Each of these developments demonstrates the complexity of air travel regulations in the region and highlights the precarious nature of security and autonomy in Somaliland amidst financial and diplomatic pressures from the federal government in Somalia.
