Somali Federal Gov’t on Sunday has officially lifted the flight ban it imposed on the airport in Dolow district in Gedo region. The move comes after Somali gov’t banned flights to Dolow airport due to security concerns. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Security which stated that starting from 11th of May, 2025, All planes are permitted to land in the airport in Dolow district.
The directive issued by the Minister of Internal Security, Abdilahi Fartag has clearly pointed out the reason for the closure of the airport in Dolow district. It was noteworthy that on the 23rd of December, 2024, a plane belonging to Halla Airlines which departed from Mogadishu and was destined for Kismayo.
Once the plane landed in Kismayo airport, it was hijacked and the plane subsequently landed in the airport in Dolow town. That led the Somali Federal Gov’t to suspend the flights to Dolow district on a temporary basis in order to ensure the safety of the airports in the country.
The minister said that the plane which was hijacked was against the rules and regulations of the civil aviation authority in Somalia. This has compelled to make assessment when it comes to the safety of the airports in the country.
However, the Somali Federal Gov’t said that it reviewed the situation while considering the need for Gedo residents to use the airport while many people are performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
He said that Dolow district authority in conjunction with security agencies in the region promised to protect the security and the freedom of the travelers. The re-opening of the airport in Dolow town is crucial for the local residents who were travelling for medical and trade purposes. The local residents could not find a route to Mogadishu in order to leave for overseas trips.
The Somali Federal Gov’t has urged all security agencies and Dolow district authority to closely monitor airport condition, to protect the overall security and to prevent everything that can pose a risk to the movement of the people and the state.
In addition, Jubaland strongly opposed the flight ban while accusing the Somali Federal Gov’t in which it used the move to put political pressure on the residents in Dolow town. Relations strained between Somali Federal Gov’t and Jubaland following the re-election of Ahmed Moadobe as Jubaland president.
