MOGADISHU, Somalia — After flights to Baidoa were abruptly canceled, dozens of passengers, including women and children, found themselves stranded at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The sudden suspension of flights has left travelers in limbo, with no clear explanation provided by airport officials or airline representatives.
The cancellation comes amidst escalating political tensions between Somalia’s central government and the leadership of the South West State, with reports suggesting that these political frictions might be influencing air travel operations.
Passengers expressed frustration and confusion over the lack of communication regarding the flight cancellations. “We were just told there would be no flights to Baidoa today, without any reason given,” said one traveler who wished to remain anonymous.
This development follows a pattern of intermittent flight disruptions in Somalia, often attributed to political disagreements or security concerns. However, today’s event marks a significant escalation, affecting not only travel but also potentially the economic and social ties between Mogadishu and Baidoa.
Local authorities have yet to release an official statement addressing the situation. As of now, there’s no indication when flights might resume, leaving many passengers uncertain about their next steps.
The situation at the airport remains tense, with travelers seeking alternative means of transportation or accommodation while awaiting further updates. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Somalia’s aviation sector, where political stability plays a critical role in the regularity of air services.
The latest updates suggest that the planes have been allowed to take off to Baidoa.
