Somaliland Reaffirms Sovereign Control Over Its Airspace and Immigration Policy

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has reaffirmed its sovereign authority over the management of its national airspace, borders, and immigration systems, following a High-Level Airspace Management Coordination Meeting convened at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development (MOCAAD) in Hargeisa.

In an official communiqué issued under the leadership of His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, President of the Republic of Somaliland, the government outlined a series of national measures aimed at safeguarding aviation sovereignty, ensuring public safety, and protecting the integrity of Somaliland’s airspace from what it described as the continued “politicization and misuse of airspace control” by the Federal Government of Somalia.


Airspace Sovereignty and Aviation Safety

The communiqué affirmed Somaliland’s sovereign right to regulate and manage all aviation activities within its territorial boundaries. It emphasized that Somaliland is the legitimate and sole authority responsible for the administration of its airspace, aerodromes, flight information services, and navigation systems, in full compliance with international civil aviation standards as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The government reiterated that the safety, security, and orderly management of civil aviation operations remain a paramount national priority.


Immigration and Visa Policy

Reasserting its independence in immigration matters, the Republic of Somaliland declared that visas issued by the Federal Republic of Somalia are invalid for entry into Somaliland and will not be recognized under any circumstances.

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a valid Somaliland visa through the official Somaliland Visa and Immigration System, administered by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Somaliland visas will be available upon arrival at designated entry points, including Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) and Berbera International Airport (BBO), subject to standard immigration screening and clearance procedures.

Any individual attempting to enter Somaliland using a Somalia-issued visa will be denied entry and may face further immigration action in accordance with national laws and regulations.


Regulation of Flights within Somaliland Airspace

Effective October 10, 2025, all civil and commercial flights operating or transiting within Somaliland’s airspace must obtain prior clearance and routing approval from MOCAAD.

Flights entering or exiting Somaliland’s airspace without authorization will be subject to regulatory and enforcement measures consistent with national and international aviation law.


International Appeal and Call for Neutrality

The Government of Somaliland also issued a formal appeal to the international community, including ICAO, IATA, the United Nations, and other global and regional aviation stakeholders, to uphold neutrality and integrity in aviation governance.

It urged international partners to:

Ensure fairness and accuracy in global aviation data systems, particularly in representations of Somaliland’s airspace and airports.

Recognize Somaliland’s sovereign authority over its land, sea, and airspace, including visa and immigration systems.

Establish transparent mechanisms for managing economic revenues derived from the Somaliland/Somalia airspace.

Conduct independent technical assessments of Somaliland’s aviation infrastructure to ensure compliance with international safety and security standards.


The government described Somalia’s continued politicization of airspace control as a serious threat to aviation safety and an act of hostility toward the sovereignty of Somaliland, calling for an urgent and practical resolution to the ongoing dispute.


Commitment to Peaceful Dialogue

Despite the escalation, the Government of Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and cooperation with international bodies to ensure the continued safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations across its national territory.

The communiqué concluded by emphasizing Somaliland’s unwavering determination to protect its sovereignty, uphold international aviation standards, and maintain regional stability in accordance with international law.