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Baidoa flights halted in Mogadishu, stranding hundreds as Somali aviation agency denies issuing ban

South West State officials call the stoppage a “political travel blockade” by the federal government; the Somali Civil Aviation Authority says it issued no suspension order.

Flights to the South West State capital were halted at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers — including regional officials — waiting for clarification.

Halted departures to Baidoa stranded travelers for hours on Tuesday amid conflicting accounts over the cause, according to officials and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

What is confirmed

Hundreds of passengers were unable to board scheduled flights from Mogadishu to Baidoa on Tuesday. Those affected included senior officials from the South West State government, as well as travelers on medical, business and government trips.

Officials from South West State told Arlaadi Media the stoppage came without prior notice and described it as politically motivated.

South West State officials called the move a “political travel blockade” imposed by the Federal Government of Somalia.

Official response

The SCAA said it had not issued any official flight restrictions for Baidoa and said it was unaware of any directive to suspend flights to the regional capital. No formal statements had been released by airport security or the Ministry of Transport as of Tuesday.

What is not yet known

• Reason for the suspension: Not provided.
• Whether the stoppage is technical, security-related, or political: Not provided.
• How many flights were affected and for how long: Not provided.
• When services to Baidoa will resume: Not provided.

Why it matters

The disruption comes shortly after South West State announced it had cut ties with the federal government, accusing it of fomenting conflict and seeking to remove South West State President Lafta-Gareen. The flight stoppage, if prolonged, could deepen political tensions, disrupt governance and business activity, and delay medical travel between Mogadishu and Baidoa.

What happens next

Travelers are awaiting guidance from the SCAA, airport authorities and the Ministry of Transport on when Baidoa-bound flights will resume. South West State and federal officials are expected to clarify the status of travel to the regional capital as the situation develops.

Closing

This is a developing story. Axadle will update with official statements and flight information as they become available.