HARGEISA (SD) Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation and Airports Development, Fuad Ahmed Nuh, announced that the Somaliland government has formally enacted preliminary orders concerning flights and the use of its airspace, which are a response to the E-visa system implemented by the Federal Government of Somalia at the beginning of September.

The Minister stated that on the 10th of this month, orders came into effect prohibiting any aircraft that has not received approval from the Somaliland aviation authority from passing through Somaliland’s airspace. He indicated that direct contact has been made with all airlines that fly through Somaliland’s airspace to inform them of these orders, and many have already responded.

Fu’ad Ahmed Nuh stated that aircraft which refuse or do not comply with these orders will be diverted from Somaliland’s airspace. He added that their communication system is fully operational, allowing them to contact aircraft in their airspace directly and at any time.

The Minister clarified that Somaliland will take legally appropriate measures if some airlines refuse to implement the orders.

He stated that entry into the land, air, or sea of Somaliland using the E-visa issued by the Federal Government of Somalia is not permitted. He noted that anyone entering the country must obtain a Somaliland entry visa.