KQ says plans for direct flights to Hargeisa, Somaliland put on hold

NAIROBI,Kenya, May, 12 – The establishment of full diplomatic ties between Kenya and Somaliland earlier this year ushered in a new historic relationship of international cooperation despite continued calls from the Federal Government of Somalia that the government of Kenya does not have the right under international law to engage what it considers one of its semi autonomous regions.

Somaliland declared independence shortly after the Federal government of Somalia went into a civil war in 1991 after long time president Siad Barre was ousted from power.

During his state visit to Kenya in December 2020, Somaliland president Muse Bihi held bilateral talks with president Uhuru Kenyatta agreeing to cooperate on several areas.

Resolutions agreed upon between President Kenyatta and his Somaliland counterpart Bihi included commencing direct flights from Nairobi to Hargeisa.

This was scheduled to commence by the end of March, 2021.

The plans however now seem to have hit several setbacks with Kenya Airways in a statement saying plans to launch flights from Nairobi to Hargeisa have been, “put on hold” read the statement.

Two months since the much anticipated launch was set to be presided over by the two heads of state, much remains unanswered why timelines agreed by both governments were not met.

“”Kenya Airways would like to clarify that plans to launch flights to Hargeisa, Somaliland are currently on hold pending requisite clearances and approvals.

Kenya’s national carrier further refuted claims that flights between the two countries would commence soon.

“We currently do not have any flights in operation, contrary to information circulating on social media.” said KQ in a statement.

International observers however say the move was bound to hit turbulence owing to the tense diplomatic tension between Kenya-Somalia-Somaliland.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) flights to Hargeisa would follow a couple of routes, either through Somalia’s capital Mogadishu or through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia upon consultations with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, (ECAA).

Economic fortunes ushered by flights to Hargeisa International Airport and the under refurbishment Berbera Airport which will serve as a critical trade route for cargo at the Berbera port for both domestic and international investors is seen as a game changer in the region.

As part of the agreement last year between Uhuru and Bihi, Kenya is also set to open its consulate in Hargeisa, Somaliland, at the same time upgrade its Nairobi Liaison office.

The sudden delays however may be attributed to the frosty relations between Nairobi and Mogadishu after the latter severed diplomatic ties only to recently say that relations had been normalized.

Also Read:

Why Kenya banned flights from Somalia

President Kenyatta holds Bilateral talks with Somaliland President

Inside Kenya-Somaliland deal to deepen ties that might vex Mogadishu more

Kenya Airlines will fly you to Hargeisa, Somaliland in new deal. Will it be a smooth ride?

Meanwhile on Tuesday the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has paused commercial flights to and from Somalia for three months.

“All flights between Kenya and Somalia are suspended except medevac [medical evacuation] flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only,” said KCAA.

A consignment of miraa was held at the cargo bay with Somalian authorities saying they were not properly notified as investors counted losses.