Nearly 200 passengers were left stranded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday after Somali airlines suspended flights between the two capitals due to a dispute over increased taxes imposed by the Somali government.
The Somali Airlines Operators Association announced the suspension, citing unresolved differences with the Ministry of Transport and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) regarding the new tax regulations.
The sudden suspension has caused significant disruption for travelers, with many passengers, like businesswoman Aamina Xasan, experiencing unexpected delays and financial losses.
“I had important business and meetings scheduled in Mogadishu… this sudden cancellation has caused me significant losses,” Xasan lamented.
While the specific details of the tax increase remain unclear, airlines have expressed concerns that the additional costs will significantly impact their operations and financial viability.
Local authorities in Kenya are advising passengers to contact their respective airlines for alternative travel arrangements or refunds. However, the duration of the flight suspension remains uncertain as negotiations between the airlines and the Somali government continue.
This incident follows a similar disruption in September 2023 when cargo flights from Mogadishu were suspended for several days due to a government-imposed tax on cargo shipments.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by the aviation sector in Somalia and the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of airlines while ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s aviation industry.
