Somali Government reopens Doolow airport after four-month closure
The reopening of the airport, which had been shut down due to security concerns, comes after a review and assurances from local authorities that the airport will now comply with national aviation regulations.
The Somali government has reopened the Doolow airport in the Gedo region, which had been closed since December 23, 2024, following the diversion of a Halla Airlines aircraft.
The reopening of the airport, which had been shut down due to security concerns, comes after a review and assurances from local authorities that the airport will now comply with national aviation regulations.
The resumption of flights is seen as a relief for local residents, particularly those facing travel and medical challenges due to the closure.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Internal Security, led by Federal Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, confirmed the lifting of the flight ban and announced that domestic flights would resume from May 11, 2025.
The closure had followed an incident in December, when a Halla Airlines aircraft, travelling on the Mogadishu-Kismayo-Mogadishu route, was reportedly diverted without clearance and forcefully landed at Doolow airport. Federal authorities labelled the incident as a violation of Somali airspace laws, prompting the suspension of airport operations.
“The decision to reopen the airport follows a security review and assurances from local authorities in Doolow, who have committed to ensuring the safety of the airport and adherence to national aviation regulations,” read the statement.
“Given the pressing needs of the Gedo population, particularly with the Hajj season approaching, and based on assurances from Doolow officials and regional security forces, we have decided to reopen the airport as of May 11."
The closure had faced criticism from various quarters, including the Jubaland regional administration, which accused the federal government of using the ban as a political tool to pressure local communities. Residents of Gedo had also expressed frustration over the limited access to medical care and the disruptions to trade caused by the lack of flights.
The lifting of the flight ban is expected to ease travel for civilians and foster cooperation between regional and federal authorities. It also comes amid ongoing political tensions between the federal government and Jubaland, especially after the contested re-election of Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), a result not recognised by Mogadishu.
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