The Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development (MOCAAD) today announced a new order requiring all civil aircraft – scheduled, non-scheduled, and commercial – to apply for an Overflight Permit before entering, transiting, or flying over Somaliland’s airspace.
The new order, which will come into effect on November 10, 2025, was announced in an official press release issued by the ministry today. The order is said to reflect Somaliland’s full sovereignty over its land, airspace, and seas.
The ministry said the move is aimed at strengthening aviation security and management, and to ensure that Somaliland’s airspace is managed in accordance with the rules and procedures set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The press release stated that this order has several objectives, including ensuring flight safety, implementing a security system, strengthening aviation management and forecasting, and flight information services, and improving Search and Rescue services and aircraft landing support at Hargeisa (HGA) and Berbera (BBO) airports.
The ministry made it clear that any flight without permission would be a violation of the law and a violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty, and could result in strict legal measures, although it did not say how or what the measures would be.
“MOCAAD reiterates its commitment to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and cooperation of international flights, thanking airlines and friendly countries for their cooperation.”
The Somali government, for its part, issued a warning letter today to Fly Dubai and Ethiopian Airways, accusing them of transporting people to Hargeisa without a visa to Somalia.
