NAIROBI (SD) – Kenya has lifted flight suspension on Somalia barely a month after it closed its airspace amid an ongoing diplomatic row between the countries.

In a letter dated June 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken ‘due consideration of intercessions’ and had decided to reopen its airspace to all flights to and from Somalia.

“The Government of Kenya has taken due consideration of intercessions made and has decided to re-open Kenya’s airspace to all flights originating from Somalia and emanating from Kenya to Somalia,” the letter reads in part.

Kenya noted it hoped that the cancellation of the ban which was to last until August will cause full normalization of relations.

“The government and people of Kenya remain true partners for the peace and prosperity of Somalia and look forward to a renewal of the enduring bonds of friendship and partnership between Kenya and Somalia,” the lettersaid.

The statement further said that existing Covid-19 protocols will apply to all passengers from Somalia to Kenya, as directed by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

Covid-19 certificates are required as proof, that one does not have the virus before leaving or entering the country.

The certificates have Trusted Travel Initiative codes which are issued upon taking RT PCR Covid-19 test and is verifiable by airlines and Port Health authorities.

Last month, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority announced that it suspended all flights to and from Somalia.

In the notice, the Kenyan government did not give any reasons for the action.

The ban comes days after Qatar brokered a breakthrough that saw Mogadishu restore diplomatic ties with Nairobi.