Somaliland Declares Full Control of Its Airspace, Rejects Somalia’s e-Visa in Landmark Aviation Conference.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillaahi (Irro), on Saturday inaugurated new aviation facilities at Egal International Airport and declared that Somaliland will now assume full control of its national airspace.
A move marking a decisive assertion of sovereignty and administrative independence from Somalia.
President Irro, who toured the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, inspected the newly enhanced Airspace Control Center (FIC) equipped with advanced radar and guidance systems enabling direct management of all aircraft flying over Somaliland.
The upgrades represent a significant step toward building an autonomous aviation infrastructure that meets international safety and technical standards.
During his visit, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, briefed the President on recent progress in airspace modernization, airport expansion, and service upgrades at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport.
Commending the ministry’s leadership and staff, President Irro emphasized that aviation is “one of the backbones of Somaliland’s connectivity and reputation in the world,”
Adding that his administration prioritizes protecting the independence of Somaliland’s airspace and developing the technical capacity needed to manage it without external interference.
Following the inspection, the President chaired a National Coordination Conference on the Administration of Somaliland Airspace, bringing together senior ministers and security officials to deliberate on airspace sovereignty, aviation security, international coordination, and the new e-Visa controversy with Somalia.
In a powerful communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the government formally declared to the international community that the Republic of Somaliland holds full authority, independence, and sovereignty over its airspace, land, and sea.
The statement stressed that permission to use Somaliland’s airspace must now be obtained exclusively from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, in line with national and international aviation laws.
The declaration also rejected Somalia’s newly introduced e-Visa, calling it unlawful and invalid within Somaliland’s territory.
“Somalia’s e-Visa has no application in the Republic of Somaliland and will not be recognized at any entry point,” the statement read.
Effective November 10, 2025, all aircraft entering Somaliland’s airspace must secure a permit from the Civil Aviation Ministry before operating within the country’s air boundaries.
The government appealed to international aviation authorities — including ICAO, IATA, and the United Nations — to recognize Somaliland’s jurisdiction and to address the “destabilizing actions” of the Mogadishu administration, which Hargeisa described as a direct threat to civil aviation safety in the Horn of Africa.
To oversee the transition, President Irro appointed a national committee comprising the Ministers of Civil Aviation, Internal Affairs, National Security, the Presidency, Defense, and the Attorney General to guide policy, enforcement, and coordination with international partners.
President Irro concluded with a firm message of sovereignty and resolve:
“Somaliland will not sit behind anyone in administering and managing its airspace. The control of our skies is a matter of national pride and a pillar of our independence.”
