MOGADISHU, Somalia—Turkish Airlines announced on Tuesday that it has halted its flight operations to Mogadishu following a security alert from the U.S. Embassy in the Somali capital.
The embassy warned of unspecified security risks in Somalia, prompting Turkish Airlines to suspend its international flights connecting Mogadishu to Europe. The move disrupts a vital air link for the country, which has struggled with instability for decades.
The airline informed the public that the suspension would take effect from March 5 to March 12, covering seven days. No additional information was provided on whether the suspension might be extended beyond that timeframe.
Specific reasons for the security warning remain undisclosed, leaving travelers and residents with limited clarity on the threat. The airline and Somali officials have urged passengers to stay informed about the latest security updates and flight schedules as developments unfold.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has not yet commented on how the U.S. alert, issued today, has affected operations at Aden Adde International Airport. The airport is a cornerstone of Somalia’s economy, ranking as the government’s second-largest revenue source.
The flight suspension highlights ongoing concerns over safety in Somalia, where insurgent groups like al-Shabab frequently target civilian and government infrastructure.
Neither Turkish Airlines nor local authorities have indicated when more details about the situation might be released as many passengers are awaiting their flights to depart.
