Who controls the skies? Somaliland says it’s taking Somalia to court

Somaliland’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, Fuad Ahmed Nur, has said that the Somaliland government has initiated legal action against Somalia over the management of airspace.

In a lengthy interview with local media, Nur discussed recent developments in Somaliland’s aviation sector, including the ongoing dispute with Mogadishu over control of the Somali airspace. The minister said Somaliland had taken legal steps against Somalia but did not provide details about the nature of the case or where it had been filed.

The reported legal action comes after years of disagreement between Somalia and Somaliland over airspace management. Tensions have intensified in recent years as both administrations assert authority over aviation and air management. The dispute gained further attention after Somalia introduced a controversial electronic visa (e-visa) system, which was later suffered a major security breach.

In 2025, Somaliland authorities announced that visas and travel authorizations issued by Somalia’s federal government would no longer be accepted for entry into Somaliland. Instead, foreign visitors were instructed to obtain visas directly from Somaliland authorities or on arrival at its airports. The move was widely interpreted as a response to Somalia’s efforts to centralize immigration control through its expanding e-visa system, including areas administered by Somaliland.

During the interview, Nur also spoke about the expansion of Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, describing the project as ongoing and expected to be completed in phases.

In September 2025, Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development signed a $70 million agreement with International Maharat Investment Company, a firm described as being based in Dubai. The agreement was formalized in Dubai and was presented by government officials as a major investment aimed at improving Somaliland’s aviation infrastructure.

The project, according to Somaliland officials, focuses on the modernization and expansion of Egal International Airport. According to government statements, the investment will finance upgrades to airport facilities and operational systems, including the construction of a new passenger terminal, runway rehabilitation and expansion, and the installation of modern navigation and safety equipment. Additional improvements are expected to include upgraded baggage handling systems, enhanced airport security, and expanded aircraft parking and taxi areas, with the goal of bringing the airport closer to international aviation standards.

However, the announcement has also generated public concern. Reports have indicated that it has been difficult to locate detailed public records about International Maharat Investment Company or its previous projects, raising questions about the firm’s background and credibility. The concerns have led to calls for greater transparency regarding the investor and the terms of the agreement, though government representatives maintain that the deal will deliver significant economic and infrastructure benefits.

If confirmed, the legal case mentioned by minister Nur would mark the first known legal challenge between Hargeisa and Mogadishu specifically over airspace management. Details about the case remain unclear, including how it could affect the management of the Somali Flight Information Region. However, such a move represents a serious escalation in the already intensifying dispute between Somaliland and Somalia over aviation authority and sovereignty.