In a recent development in an ongoing territorial dispute, Somalia's aviation authority has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all flights to the country.
This announcement was made via state media on Wednesday and adds a new dimension to the long-standing conflict over a breakaway region. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) expressed its frustration with what it described as Ethiopian Airlines’ disregard for "sovereignty issues," which has persisted despite previous complaints.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates flights to Somaliland’s largest city, Hargeisa, as well as to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and four other provincial cities in Somalia. The SCAA accused Africa’s largest carrier of "removing references to Somali destinations and retaining only Airport Codes," describing this action as one that "exacerbates the original concerns and undermines the sovereignty of Somalia."
"We must emphasize that if these issues are not resolved by August 23, the SCAA will have no choice but to suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia, effective from that date," the statement read.
The escalating tension over this issue is mirrored on Ethiopian Airlines' website, which lists Hargeisa without specifying a country. Meanwhile, a search for "Somaliland" shows no destinations, whereas Mogadishu is clearly identified as being in Somalia.
This discrepancy has further fueled the dispute. The SCAA also noted that it had received "an increasing number of unacceptable complaints from the Somali public regarding their travel experiences with Ethiopian Airlines," adding another layer to the grievances.
In a related move, a separate letter was addressed to Emirati government-owned Fly Dubai, demanding that the airline correct "serious violations" and provide "accurate representation of destinations" within Somalia on its booking and ticketing services. Fly Dubai's website currently lists the city of Hargeisa in Somaliland, which has been a focal point of contention.
Fly Dubai, which suspended its Mogadishu route in June over security concerns, was given until August 24 to comply or face the "immediate revocation of Fly Dubai's operating permit within Somalia."
These measures follow indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia coordinated by Turkey, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan citing "notable progress" earlier this month.