Thursday June 18, 2026
Kismayo (AX) — Jubbaland on Wednesday accused Somalia’s federal government of keeping Doolow airport shut for political reasons, saying the lengthy closure has crippled health services, commerce, public transport and aid work across the Gedo region.
In a statement, Jubbaland’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said the airport has remained closed since July 19, 2025, despite repeated attempts to secure its reopening.
Jubbaland said the Somali Civil Aviation Authority informed regional officials that it lacked the authority to make an independent decision on reopening the facility.
The regional administration said the shutdown could not be justified on technical, security or aviation safety grounds.
It also accused the federal government of wielding control over Somali airspace for political ends, arguing that such conduct runs counter to civil aviation rules and international standards governing airspace management.
The federal government has previously denied any role in the closure.
In April 2026, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said the Somali government was not behind the shutdown of Doolow airport and blamed the matter on the Jubbaland administration.
Hamza said any complaints tied to the closure should be directed to Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe.
The standoff over Doolow airport is unfolding against a backdrop of persistent political friction between the federal government and Jubbaland over power, security and administration in the Gedo region.
