Reporting by: HAN News Desk
HARGEISA – Faysal Ali Warabe, chairman of the UCID Party in Somaliland, has welcomed reports that FlyDubai, a major UAE-based airline, has suspended its flights to Hargeisa, the self-declared republic’s capital.
Speaking to local media, Faysal described the halt in operations as “a good decision”, noting that the suspension aligns with Somaliland’s broader interests, though he did not provide specific reasons for his support.
“I heard that FlyDubai flights have been stopped — that’s a good thing,” Warabe said.
Observers note that his comments come against the backdrop of ongoing disputes between Somaliland authorities and the Federal Government of Somalia over control of airspace and aviation management, an issue that has periodically strained relations between Hargeisa and Mogadishu. Somaliland claims authority over its own airspace and airport operations, citing its self-declared independence since 1991, while the federal government maintains that all Somali airspace falls under Mogadishu’s jurisdiction.
FlyDubai has been one of the few international carriers providing direct flights between Hargeisa and Dubai, offering a critical link for the Somaliland diaspora, business travelers, and students in the Gulf region. A suspension of these flights could have significant economic and social impacts, limiting travel options for residents and affecting trade connections.
Neither FlyDubai nor the Somaliland Civil Aviation Authority (SCAAA) has yet confirmed the suspension, but the issue has sparked widespread debate on social media and in local communities. Some citizens have welcomed the decision, echoing Warabe’s nationalist stance, while others have expressed concern about inconvenience for travelers and potential economic consequences.
Faysal Ali Warabe is a well-known political figure in Somaliland, recognized for his outspoken views on governance, regional independence, and foreign relations. Analysts suggest his comments reflect growing public frustration in Hargeisa over perceived interference by external actors in Somaliland’s domestic affairs.
The alleged suspension of FlyDubai flights highlights the delicate balance between aviation management, political sovereignty, and regional diplomacy in the Horn of Africa, and may influence future negotiations between Somaliland, Somalia, and international airlines operating in the region.
