Our airspace is intact, says Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has dismissed claims that the country intends to handover powers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to control the airspace, a move that has attracted condemnation from members of the public.

Last week, social media users claimed the country had auctioned the airspace to UAE following disputes with Ethiopia, which is fighting for access to the Red Sea. The airspace is controlled by the SCAA from Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.

According to the state media, the aviation team termed the claims as 'baseless' while maintaining that the airspace remains intact and under its mandate. The authority further says it has upgraded its systems to match international standards.

"The Somali Civil Aviation Authority refuted baseless propaganda on social media regarding handing over Somalia's airspace management to another country. The Authority upgraded air traffic management and improved navigation and communication infrastructure," state media reports.

"The airspace over Somalia and the surrounding region was classified as Class A on 26 January 2023 after 30 years by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)," the authority further said as reported by the state media.

There were claims that NAVPASS, a UAE-based company, was taking over revenue collections for Somalia airspace. Also, it is alleged that Cloud Air Navigation Services of UAE is about to fully assume the responsibilities of Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority.

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo warned that the transfer of these national assets to foreign interests puts the sovereignty and independence of Somalia at risk and should never be implemented.

A fortnight ago, Somalia warned Ethiopia Airlines against recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. Since then, the airline has changed many flight manual coordinates reading Somaliland, maintaining that it is still within Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE