MOGADISHU — Major international carriers serving Mogadishu have reportedly voiced significant alarm regarding security conditions at Aden Adde International Airport and its surrounding areas.
According to reports by Caasimada Online, three key airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines—have submitted formal communications to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). The carriers expressed escalating concerns that worsening security conditions might impact their continued operations to the capital.
Risks to Personnel and Aircraft
The airlines have indicated that mounting dangers at the airport and in nearby zones pose potential threats to passengers, crew members, and aircraft. Sources cite that high-ranking SCAA officials received comprehensive briefings on these perceived threats during meetings with delegates from the three airlines.
However, reports suggest that the civil aviation authority has not yet implemented substantial remedial actions or furnished a definitive response to address the specific issues raised by the carriers.
Potential Flight Suspensions
In their correspondence, the airlines reportedly clarified that they would be unable to maintain flights to Mogadishu if the security problems persist, citing unacceptable risks to their personnel and equipment.
A cessation of international flights would have extensive ramifications for Somalia, disrupting the movement of passengers and cargo, and potentially weakening the nation’s connectivity and diplomatic ties.
To date, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority has not issued a public statement regarding the reported concerns.
