MOGADISHU, Somalia — Passengers at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport endured prolonged delays Monday, as flights were grounded amid a fierce dispute over newly imposed charges by private airlines. The situation escalated, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated.
Airlines operating out of Mogadishu accused the airport authorities of suddenly imposing additional fees, which they argued were not part of their prior agreements. This led to a temporary halt in services as airlines protested the charges, disrupting both local and international travel plans.
Ahmed Macalin Hassan, the Director-General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), countered these claims, asserting that there was no financial contention between the airlines and the aviation authority. He redirected the blame towards broader travel condition complaints from the public, suggesting that these were the true reasons behind the delays.
After hours of negotiations, an agreement was reached, allowing flights to resume. However, the incident highlighted deeper issues within Somalia’s aviation sector, including the treatment of passengers. Several airlines faced public backlash for what was described as poor handling of passengers during the crisis, with complaints officially lodged with airport management.
The situation at Mogadishu Airport is more than just a logistical headache; it’s a critical issue for many in Somalia’s southern and central regions where air travel is not just a convenience but a necessity. The persistent threat of attacks by the militant group Al-Shabaab makes road travel perilous, underscoring the importance of reliable air services in the region.
This event has sparked a call for better communication and transparency between airport authorities and airlines to prevent such disruptions in the future, emphasizing the need for solutions that address both security and service quality in Somalia’s volatile environment.
