Sunday May 11, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali federal government has lifted its ban on flights to Doolow district in the Gedo region, reopening the local airport after months of restrictions imposed for security reasons.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Office of the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, announced the decision to allow flights to resume, citing the needs of residents, particularly those preparing to travel for the Hajj pilgrimage.
“After receiving assurances from the Doolow district administration and regional security agencies that they will jointly address any security challenges, we have decided to reopen the airport effective May 11, 2025,” the minister’s office said.
The federal government suspended operations at the Doolow airport following a December 23, 2024 incident in which Halla Airlines Flight 60-AAB, operating on a Mogadishu-Kismayo route, was diverted and forced to land in Doolow in violation of Somali aviation law, according to the government.
The flight ban had left many residents stranded, with no means to travel to Mogadishu for medical care, business, or other essential needs. The move had sparked criticism from the Jubbaland regional administration, which accused the federal government of using the closure to marginalize the people of Doolow.
Tensions between the federal government and Jubbaland have remained high since the disputed re-election of Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), which Mogadishu refused to recognize.