SOMALIA’S aviation authority has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all of its flights to Somalia if ongoing disputes are not resolved. The conflict stems from Ethiopian Airlines’ operations in Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, a move not recognised internationally.
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland to lease 20 kilometres of coastline for 50 years, giving the landlocked nation access to the sea. In return, Somaliland indicated that it would push for Ethiopia to be the first country to officially recognise its independence—although Addis Ababa has yet to confirm this step.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates flights to Somaliland’s largest city, Hargeisa, as well as to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and four other cities within Somalia. However, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has raised concerns about how these destinations are represented.
The SCAA expressed dissatisfaction with Ethiopian Airlines’ handling of ‘sovereignty issues,’ accusing the airline of omitting references to Somali locations and retaining only airport codes, which the SCAA claims undermines Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a letter published by Somali state media, the SCAA stated that if these issues are not addressed by August 23, the agency ‘will have no choice but to suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia, effective from that date.’ The letter further warned that any future violations, such as misidentifying destinations within Somalia, would lead to immediate suspension without further warning.
The controversy extends beyond Ethiopian Airlines. A separate letter from the SCAA to the Emirati-owned Fly Dubai raised similar concerns. The letter demanded that Fly Dubai address ‘serious violations’ related to the accurate representation of Somali destinations on its booking and ticketing platforms. Fly Dubai, which currently lists Hargeisa under Somaliland, suspended its Mogadishu route in June over security concerns. The SCAA gave Fly Dubai until August 24 to comply, or it would face the immediate revocation of its operating permit within Somalia.
These developments follow indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by Turkey, aimed at resolving these and other diplomatic tensions. Earlier this month, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported ‘notable progress’ in the discussions. However, the aviation dispute underscores the complex and unresolved issues surrounding Somaliland’s status and its implications for regional relations.
Reuters
