FTL Somalia

Turkish Airlines Faces Backlash in Somalia Over Alleged Passenger Abuse

Mogadishu, Somalia – Mogadishu is witnessing growing public outrage against Turkish Airlines after allegations surfaced of mistreatment by one of its senior managers at Aden Adde International Airport. Somali passengers, including social activists and government officials, have reported repeated incidents of humiliation, denial of boarding, and even physical intimidation. These complaints have sparked calls for a nationwide boycott of the airline, highlighting deep frustrations over accountability and passenger rights.

The manager at the center of the controversy, employed through Favori LLC—a Turkish company overseeing parts of airport operations—has been accused of denying boarding to travelers despite completed check-ins, and treating passengers in a manner many describe as demeaning. Social media posts documenting the incidents have amplified public anger, drawing attention to a broader sense of vulnerability among travelers at the airport.

Somalia’s tense history with labor disputes and the management of its international gateway adds weight to the controversy. Critics point out that the lack of a clear complaint mechanism at Aden Adde International Airport has allowed such alleged abuses to go unchecked, raising questions about corporate responsibility in the country.

As the boycott movement gains momentum, Turkish Airlines has yet to respond publicly, leaving passengers and activists calling for immediate action and accountability. The situation underscores the delicate balance between foreign investment and local trust in Somalia’s aviation sector.