MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is facing criticism after a private jet carrying Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro transited Somali airspace en route to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The aircraft, a Hawker 800XP registered in San Marino as T7-NKS, departed from Ethiopia after receiving clearance to use Somali airspace. Aviation experts say such planes often switch off radar transponders, limiting authorities’ ability to track or communicate with them.
The incident comes amid heightened regional attention following a recent visit to Hargeisa by Israel’s foreign minister, raising fresh questions about Somalia’s aviation protocols and oversight of foreign aircraft carrying high-profile passengers.
Authorities have yet to comment publicly on whether the flight complied with all Somali aviation rules, fueling debate over regulatory gaps and security procedures.
