MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) — The European Union is expected to operate its final charter flight from Mogadishu to Nairobi on Thursday, Aug. 13, ending a key air link used by diplomats and senior international staff working in Somalia.
The planned suspension comes after the end of United Nations Humanitarian Air Service, or UNHAS, air operations in Somalia, further reducing dedicated travel options for international personnel moving between Mogadishu and Kenya.
The EU charter service has been used primarily by diplomats, humanitarian workers and senior staff from international organizations. Its closure is expected to increase reliance on commercial airlines and privately chartered aircraft, potentially raising travel costs for organizations maintaining operations in Somalia.
Nairobi has long served as a regional operational hub for diplomatic missions, humanitarian agencies and security partners working on Somalia. The loss of regular dedicated flights could make it more difficult for smaller missions to sustain frequent staff rotations and emergency travel arrangements.
The development comes as international partners assess their future presence and operating models in Somalia amid funding constraints, security concerns and changing United Nations support arrangements.
Separately, reports circulating in Somalia say the U.N. Support Office in Somalia, or UNSOS, has instructed African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, personnel to vacate some containerized housing and may withdraw equipment from mission sites.
HornPost could not independently verify those reports through an official UNSOS statement.
Any confirmed reduction in accommodation, power generation or logistical support could place additional pressure on AUSSOM, which has faced persistent funding and operational challenges. Regional sites, including Beledweyne, Baidoa, Balcad and Jowhar, could be among those most affected if support arrangements are changed.
HornPost will update this report if the EU, UNSOS, AUSSOM or Somali authorities issue formal statements.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
