Somali Civil Aviation Authority Warns Flydubai Over Visa Breach in Hargeisa Flights
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has issued a formal warning to Flydubai Airlines after it was discovered that several passengers transported to Hargeisa did not hold valid Somali electronic visas (e-Visas), in violation of the country’s immigration and aviation laws.
In an official communication signed by SCAA Director General Ahmed Moallim Hassan, the authority emphasized that the incident represents a serious breach of entry regulations and undermines Somalia’s border control and national security measures.
According to the statement, “Passengers arriving in Hargeisa aboard Flydubai flights were found to lack the mandatory Somali e-Visas required prior to travel, which constitutes a direct contravention of national entry laws.”
The SCAA has directed Flydubai to immediately strengthen its verification and documentation processes to ensure full compliance with Somali visa regulations. The airline must now confirm that all passengers traveling to Somalia, especially Hargeisa, have valid e-Visas before departure.
The aviation authority warned that failure to adhere to these requirements could result in severe penalties, including monetary fines, suspension of Flydubai’s flights to Hargeisa, or a comprehensive review of the airline’s operating license within Somali airspace.
The SCAA reiterated that strict enforcement of immigration and aviation standards is essential to safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and ensuring compliance with international air travel norms.
This move comes amid Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen its border management systems, improve aviation oversight, and enhance collaboration with international carriers to promote secure and lawful travel procedures across all entry points.
