The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has cancelled the licenses of two Kenyan airlines thus prohibiting them from operating in the country.
FGS has revoked the licenses that Silverstone Air Services and Buff Air Services have relied on to operate in the Horn of Africa nation.
The government said the revocation was necessary after the two firms violated travel restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
According to authorities, the two firms had participated in the illegal importation of Khat into the country.
They had disguised the banned substance as medical supplies.
Documents show that one of the firms imported Khat into the country on May 26 through the airstrip at Buhodle town.
The other plane landed at the airstrip at Jowhar town on May 31 with a consignment of Khat disguised as medical supplies.
However, President Mohamed Farmaajo’s administration is yet to issue details on the duration for which the two airlines’ licenses would remain cancelled.