Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has launched a criminal investigation into a Turkish Airlines station manager in Mogadishu after mounting allegations that he abused his authority over Somali passengers. The inquiry follows a complaint from traveler Abdifatah Ahmed Hussein, who says he was barred from boarding despite completing all airport checks.
The Attorney General’s office has confirmed that the case is being formally examined, adding that legal action will follow if the accusations are verified. The incident has struck a nerve with many Somalis who say this was not an isolated case. Several travelers have reported similar encounters, describing mistreatment, arbitrary boarding denials, and humiliating confrontations at Aden Adde International Airport.
Some of the most vocal complaints come from activists and content creators who say the same manager acted with unchecked power while lacking proper identification. Their accounts have fueled public frustration, reviving long-standing concerns about how the airport is run.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Favori LLC, the Turkish company managing the airport, which has faced previous criticism over labor practices and its treatment of Somali staff.
With public pressure growing and calls for accountability rising, many Somalis now see this investigation as a test of whether authorities can ensure dignity and fairness for citizens using the country’s most important gateway.