MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Ministry of Inner Safety introduced Sunday the reopening of the Dolow airstrip within the Gedo area, lifting a ban on home flights imposed following a safety incident final 12 months.
The Safety Minister of Somalia, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, stated in a press release despatched to the newsrooms that the choice was made to deal with the wants of Gedo residents, significantly forward of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage season.
The airstrip had been closed since December 23, 2024, after a Halla Airways flight, 60-AAB, en route from Mogadishu to Kismayo, was hijacked and forcibly diverted to Dolow, violating Somalia’s aviation legal guidelines.
“Recognizing the general public’s want to make use of the Dolow airstrip, and following assurances from the Dolow administration and regional safety forces to collectively safeguard the ability, we have now determined to reopen it efficient Might 11, 2025,” the assertion learn.
The closure had stranded many residents, together with these touring to Mogadishu for medical or enterprise functions. Jubaland’s regional authorities had repeatedly accused the federal authorities of utilizing the ban to punish the native inhabitants.
The reopening is predicted to revive very important connectivity for the area, facilitating journey and commerce as native individuals have been ready for this to return.
