Somaliland pushes for airspace control, sparking safety and diplomatic concerns

[Deeq A.]

The Somaliland government is moving forward with plans to reclaim control over its airspace, a significant development that could escalate tensions with Somalia. The airspace, currently managed by the Somali government, was previously under international oversight before being transferred several years ago.

Fuad Ahmed Nuuh, Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, has confirmed that restoring control over the airspace is a top priority for the government. The decision comes amid a protracted dispute with Somalia regarding airspace management, which has persisted for years.

“We are in a dispute with Somalia over airspace management, and our goal is to restore full control of our airspace,” said Minister Fu’aad.

“We are taking legal steps to regain control,” Nuuh explained. “We plan to seek international legal support to aid us in this process.”

The airspace conflict was exacerbated by the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which granted Ethiopia access to the Berbera port in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Somalia, which sees Somaliland as part of its territory, vehemently opposed the deal, accusing Ethiopia of violating Somali territorial integrity.

The dispute has already led to several high-profile incidents, including Somalia’s denial of multiple flights bound for Somaliland, mainly Ethiopian Airlines flights carrying high-level officials. Somali authorities also turned away an Ethiopian Airlines flight and a cargo plane, both attempting to land in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.

The conflict over airspace has also prompted safety concerns. In early 2024, International aviation authorities reported an increasing number of near-miss incidents, such as a recent case involving a Qatar Airways flight and Ethiopian Airlines. Conflicting air traffic control (ATC) instructions, particularly from unauthorized controllers, have raised alarms about the safety of flights navigating Somali airspace.

“The issue of conflicting ATC instructions is becoming a serious safety threat,” said a spokesperson for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of international flights.”

Somalia has responded to the escalating dispute by implementing new communication systems to manage air traffic more effectively. A new satellite phone system used by Somali air traffic controllers aims to address safety concerns by improving communication with aircraft flying through contested airspace. However, Somaliland has criticized these efforts, accusing Somalia of using the system to undermine Somaliland’s control further.

Somaliland has also accused Somalia of mismanaging over $60 million earmarked for air traffic management and airport development. Somaliland’s Civil Aviation Authority claims that Somalia has failed to honour agreements related to airport infrastructure, leading to disrupted air traffic and significant delays in the development of Somaliland’s aviation sector.

In addition to regaining control of the airspace, the government is focusing on expanding and upgrading key airports across the country. Renovations are planned for Burco and Boorama airports, while Berbera’s modern airport will be fully operationalized to strengthen Somaliland’s connectivity.

Qaran News