Hornpost
Government Warns International Aviation Bodies of Rising Airspace Tensions.
HARGEISA – (Hornpost) The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has announced a series of decisions regarding the management of its airspace and the use of eVisa systems. The resolutions were read by the Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, Fuaad Ahmed Nuur, following a high-level meeting chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Ciro). The meeting was attended by ministers of Aviation, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Security, and Defense.
Below are the four key points released by Somaliland authorities:
- Airspace Sovereignty and Safety
The Somaliland government reaffirmed that it holds full authority over its land, sea, and airspace within the borders of the Republic of Somaliland. The statement said that permission to use Somaliland’s airspace can only be granted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, in accordance with national and international aviation laws.
- Disapproval of Somalia’s eVisa System
Somaliland stated that the newly issued Somalia e-Visa does not apply to Somaliland and cannot be used to enter the country. According to the government, Somaliland operates its own independent system of migration and travel control.
Somaliland’s policy remains “Visa on Arrival,” allowing all visitors to obtain visas upon arrival at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport.
- Regulation of Flights in Somaliland Airspace
Effective November 10, 2025, all aircraft flying through Somaliland airspace must obtain clearance from Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Aircraft without authorization will not be allowed to transit Somaliland airspace, and any violations will result in measures consistent with Somaliland and international aviation regulations.
- International Appeal
The Government of Somaliland appealed to global aviation authorities and international bodies – including ICAO, IATA, the United Nations, and bilateral and multilateral partners – to take note of escalating tensions over airspace management between Somaliland and Somalia. The statement accused Somalia of politicizing civilian aviation and using airspace control as a tool against Somaliland, which it said poses security risks for commercial and passenger flights in the region.
Somaliland called on the international community to take the following actions:
- Ensure neutrality in airspace administration under international aviation laws and correct the “IATA Tima tic System” error that labels Somaliland airports as part of Somalia.
- Establish a legal mechanism to resolve airspace-related disputes, asserting Somaliland’s right to control its land, sea, and airspace.
- Create a transparent financial management mechanism for Somaliland/Somalia airspace revenues, which Somaliland says were “wrongfully” placed under Somalia.
- Allow ICAO to conduct an independent assessment of Somaliland’s aviation system and establish direct engagement with civilian flight operations in Somaliland.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
