Hargeisa, Somaliland — The Ministry of Civil Aviation of Somaliland has announced a new directive requiring all aircraft to obtain prior authorization before entering or flying over its airspace, a move that underscores the self-declared republic’s effort to assert full control over its skies.
The regulation, which takes effect on November 10, 2025, was unveiled on Sunday in a statement emphasizing air safety, improved traffic coordination, and stronger emergency response mechanisms. Authorities say the measure is designed to ensure that every aircraft operating in Somaliland’s airspace is tracked and cleared through proper channels, aligning with international aviation standards.
Though presented as a technical step to enhance air management, the policy also carries a political undertone. By reaffirming sovereignty over its airspace, Somaliland is once again signaling its independence from Somalia — a stance that remains unrecognized by Mogadishu and the international community.
For years, Somaliland officials have complained that control over flight operations, long managed jointly through a system based in Mogadishu, fails to account for their regional interests. The new directive appears to be part of a broader push to exercise independent authority over aviation, customs, and border policies.
Under the announced rules, any flight entering Somaliland’s airspace without clearance will be considered unauthorized and subject to legal action. The ministry did not specify the penalties but made clear that enforcement measures are being prepared in coordination with security and air traffic agencies.
The decision comes amid heightened regional sensitivities and a renewed focus on territorial sovereignty across the Horn of Africa. While local observers view the regulation as a necessary step toward strengthening national institutions, others see it as a potential source of friction with Somalia’s federal government, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory.
As the implementation date approaches, airlines and pilots operating in the region are being urged to update their flight plans and obtain the required permits to avoid disruption. For Somaliland, the move marks another chapter in its long quest for international recognition — this time written in the skies above.