Somalia: FGS Blocks Flights to Baidoa, Hundreds Stranded in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU — Hundreds of passengers, including senior officials from the South West State government, were stranded at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Tuesday after flights to Baidoa were halted.

Officials from the South West State told Arlaadi Media that the move was a “political travel blockade” imposed by the Federal Government of Somalia. They said scheduled flights to the regional capital were stopped without prior notice.

Meanwhile, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) denied issuing any official flight restrictions. Agency representatives said they were unaware of any directive to suspend Baidoa-bound flights, adding to confusion over the cause of the delays.

Scenes of frustration were visible at the airport as passengers, including those traveling for medical reasons, business, and government duties, expressed concern over prolonged delays.

No official statement has yet been released by airport security or the Ministry of Transport regarding whether the suspension was due to technical issues or a political decision. The disruption comes shortly after South West State announced it had cut ties with the federal government, accusing it of fomenting conflict and seeking to remove President Lafta-Gareen.

GAROWE ONLINE