MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland authorities have ordered all international flights entering or using the region’s airspace to obtain an overflight permit from 10 November, in a move that intensifies a growing aviation and visa dispute with Somalia’s federal government.
In a directive issued on Sunday, the Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports said the order applies to any aircraft landing, transiting, or carrying cargo through Somaliland’s airspace. The ministry warned that any plane operating without the required permit would face consequences under applicable laws.
“Effective 10th November 2025, this directive is issued in accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Geneva Convention, 1944) and reaffirms the Republic of Somaliland’s complete jurisdiction and exclusive sovereignty over its land, maritime and airspace,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Unauthorized overflight without prior approval constitutes a violation of national sovereignty and may result in enforcement actions under applicable national and international aviation laws.”
The announcement comes as tensions between Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu and the breakaway region of Somaliland continue to escalate over travel and airspace management.
Visa Dispute
The row began after Somalia introduced a mandatory electronic visa (e-visa) for all travellers entering the country – including those bound for Somaliland – a move Hargeisa rejected. Somaliland responded by instructing airlines not to enforce the new system, insisting that passengers would be granted visas on arrival at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport.
Airlines initially complied with Somalia’s directive but later reversed course following Somaliland’s warning that those enforcing the e-visa policy would be banned from operating in its territory. Carriers such as Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines have since resumed allowing passengers to obtain visas on arrival in Hargeisa.
In response, Somalia’s federal government issued a strongly worded statement accusing Flydubai of violating its e-visa rule and warned that any airline failing to comply would face severe penalties.
It said that transporting passengers to Somaliland or any part of Somalia without the e-visa constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and aviation laws and warned that non-compliant airlines will be banned from operating in the wider Somalia.
Escalating Tensions
The dispute highlights the long-running tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa over sovereignty and control of airspace. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a self-governing entity but has not gained international recognition.
Aviation rights and border control have become increasingly contentious issues, with both administrations asserting authority over the same airspace and passenger traffic.
The latest directives from both governments risk further disrupting international flights to the Horn of Africa and placing airlines in a difficult position as they navigate conflicting regulatory demands from Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
