Somalia reacts to Kenya’s decision to halt flights

Somali Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Duran Ahmed Farah, who spoke to state media, said the government noticed the Kenyan statement circulating on social media, and there was no communication with Villa Somalia. 

News Keydmedia Online
11 May 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali government has strongly condemned Kenya's decision to suspend flights to and from Somalia, saying it has not yet been formally contacted.

Somali Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Duran Ahmed Farah, who spoke to state media, said the government noticed the Kenyan statement circulating on social media, and there was no communication with Villa Somalia. 

Duran said the decision is "very surprising" since it comes a few days after Somalia-Kenya diplomatic relations have been re-established following the mediation of Qatar.

"This would have an impact on both countries," said Farah, adding that the government was considering the matter and would issue a decision.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has suspended all flights on Tuesday without announcing the reason behind the ban, which will be in place until next August. 

The statement from Kenya's KCAA said UN medical and humanitarian aircraft are exceptional.

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