In a press release published after the Government of Kenya suspended civilian flights to Somalia, Kenya Airways stated that “ we do not have any operational flights between Nairobi, Kenya and Hargeisa, Somaliland at this time. These plans are on hold pending requisite approvals and clearances. to launch flights to Hargeisa… are currently on hold pending requisite clearance and approvals”.
Kenya Airways was planning to start direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta Airport to Hargeisa three times a week from the 28th of May.
The flight suspension will not affect United Nations and medical evacuation flights.
Somalia and Kenya restored diplomatic relations one week ago after a spat over blocked khat imports.
Somalis travelling to Nairobi will be able to use the Djibouti or Addis Ababa route while the suspension remains in place.
This article first appeared in the © Puntland Post, 2021 and is republished with permission