HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) Somaliland’s Cabinet of Ministers has agreed that the government should take appropriate measures against what it describes as Somalia’s interference in Somaliland’s airspace, following a briefing by Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development Yusuf Keyse Abdullahi.
Abdullahi briefed the Cabinet on the International Air Transport Association’s Billing and Settlement Plan (IATA-BSP) and reaffirmed Somaliland’s position on the independent administration of its airspace and flight operations, according to a statement issued following the Cabinet’s 78th meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Irro.
During his presentation, Abdullahi told ministers that Somaliland firmly opposes any intervention, action or system that it believes could disrupt its independent management of airspace, flight operations and national interests.
He said the government viewed the administration of Somaliland’s airspace as part of its responsibility to protect its land, maritime and air boundaries, safeguard its autonomy, ensure flight safety and defend the interests of its citizens.
“The Republic of Somaliland will take any measures necessary to safeguard the administration and security of its airspace,” the deputy minister said, according to the government statement.
The Cabinet agreed that the Somaliland government should take appropriate measures in response to what it described as interference and disruption by Somalia in Somaliland’s airspace. The statement did not specify what measures would be taken or provide a timeline for implementation.
IATA-BSP and the Wider Aviation Dispute
The briefing comes amid continuing disagreements between Somaliland and Somalia over aviation administration and the authority to regulate flight operations.
IATA-BSP is an international system used to facilitate airline ticket sales and financial settlements between airlines and travel agencies. Somalia announced the system’s reactivation in October 2026 as part of efforts to develop its aviation services and strengthen connections with international travel markets.
The ticketing and settlement system is distinct from the technical management of airspace and air traffic. However, the renewed focus on IATA-BSP has coincided with broader disagreements over aviation authority, flight procedures and the roles of the respective civil aviation institutions.
Somaliland maintains that it should independently administer its airspace and flight operations. Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, meanwhile, says it manages the Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR), which includes airspace over Somalia and designated areas over international waters.
The competing positions have raised questions about the implementation of aviation procedures, the authority responsible for issuing clearances and coordination between institutions serving airlines and passengers.
Government Signals Further Action
The Cabinet’s decision signals that Somaliland intends to pursue the issue through further government measures, although the nature of those measures remains unclear.
The government statement did not outline any new directives for airlines, changes to flight-clearance procedures or specific administrative actions. Such developments would require further official clarification.
The dispute remains part of the wider political disagreement between Hargeisa and Mogadishu. Any changes affecting flight operations will be closely watched by airlines, travel agencies, passengers and aviation authorities operating in the region.
HornPost will continue to follow official announcements from Somaliland and Somalia concerning airspace administration, IATA-BSP and any measures that could affect aviation services.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
