A DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone is buzzing in the air. It’s just like those now banned from flying within five nautical miles of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport due to new safety rules from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.
Mogadishu (AX) — In light of heightened security troubles, Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority has grounded all drones within a five-nautical-mile circle around Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport. This move aims to secure the area and smooth out flight operations at the nation’s busiest airport.
This no-fly zone, spanning about 9.26 kilometers, kicks in a big chunk of central Mogadishu. It touches neighborhoods like Hodan, Hamar Weyne, Waberi, and parts of Madina and Boondheere—zones teeming with residents and crucial facilities such as Mogadishu University and Banadir Hospital.
The restriction, set in motion on October 7, will last until December 5, 2024. It was unveiled through a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The notification highlighted, “Without special clearance from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, no UAS activities can occur within a 5 NM zone of HCMM ARP.”
Compliance is not just a friendly suggestion; the SCAA underscored its significance, cautioning against skipping these guidelines. Defiance of this ban could bring legal clashes. Why this fuss? The ban is poised to thwart potential dangers from unmanned aerial systems that might meddle with air traffic or be used for sinister plots. “Following these rules isn’t optional. Break them, and you’ll face legal consequences,” an SCAA representative asserted.
Aden Adde International Airport is Somalia’s bridge to the world. It’s a hub for countless commercial flights, also a crucial ally in delivering humanitarian relief.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
