In a move that is set to disrupt air travel across the country, airlines operating within Somalia have announced they will suspend all domestic and international flights starting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
This unprecedented decision comes after airlines voiced strong complaints over newly imposed fees, which they claim are financially burdensome and unsustainable for their operations.
More than 20 airlines, including major carriers, have agreed to halt their services, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded or unable to reach Somalia.
The suspension of flights is expected to have a significant impact on both Somali citizens and businesses reliant on air transportation.
The airlines have pointed the finger at the Somali government, specifically the Ministry of Transport and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, accusing them of mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of cooperation. The airlines argue that the new charges were imposed without prior consultation and were not part of the previous agreements between the government and the aviation industry.
“This is an economic crisis for both the airline industry and the people of Somalia,” said an industry spokesperson. “The additional fees are simply too much to bear. We have no choice but to suspend services to protect the future of our businesses
