MOGADISHU — Flights between Somalia and Kenya have been suspended for a second day, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as authorities from both countries remain silent on the cause of the disruption.
According to reports, approximately 4 to 6 flights operated daily between the two countries, carrying an estimated 500 passengers over the past two days. The suspension has caused significant disruption for travelers, including businesspeople, government officials, and families who rely on the route.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not issued any official statement regarding the reason for the suspension. While similar disruptions have occurred in the past, they typically lasted less than 24 hours, making this extended suspension unusual.
The suspension comes amid a history of aviation disputes between the two countries. In October 2024, Kenya Airways suspended all passenger flights to Mogadishu, citing operational challenges . The airline faced stiff competition from Somali-owned carriers, which offered more flexible booking options and fewer penalties, catering to the specific preferences of Somali travelers .
Earlier, in September 2024, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Kenya Airways to address significant delays experienced by Somali passengers stranded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for three days . The SCAA’s statement highlighted concerns over the prolonged delays and emphasized the need for a prompt response from Kenya Airways .
A Kenyan-registered aircraft entered Somali airspace without authorization in January 2025, heightening tensions between Somalia and Kenya . Somali authorities were concerned about the implications of the unauthorized entry and its possible connection to Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe’s transportation to Nairobi .
Aviation sources suggest the current suspension may be linked to a dispute between the two countries’ aviation authorities, though neither side has confirmed this. Travelers are awaiting an official announcement on when flights will resume.
The suspension comes after Kenya and Somalia previously engaged in negotiations to normalize relations in April 2025, agreeing to restore full diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors after years of tensions. The two countries also agreed to cooperate on security and trade matters.
Critical Note
The suspension of flights between Somalia and Kenya reflects the fragility of the bilateral relationship, which has been marked by tensions despite recent efforts to normalize ties. The lack of official communication from either government about the cause of the disruption undermines confidence in the stability of the aviation sector and raises concerns about the broader state of bilateral relations.
While the two countries have made progress in resolving disputes, the continued vulnerability of key infrastructure like aviation to political disagreements suggests that underlying tensions remain unresolved. The economic cost of such disruptions, including the impact on businesses and travelers, underscores the need for a more robust mechanism to manage disagreements between the two countries.
The international community, including the East African Community, should encourage both governments to resolve the issue swiftly and to establish clear protocols to prevent future disruptions. Without such measures, the suspension of flights risks becoming a recurring source of tension between the two countries.
