By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa – Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, Republic of Somaliland
The Ministry of Civil Aviation & Airports Development of Somaliland has issued a new Ministerial Regulatory Directive (No. MCA&AD/OM/D/02/2026) establishing strict mandatory requirements for airline ticketing and travel-agent licensing. The directive, released via press release on October 25, 2026, significantly impacts flight operations departing from Hargeisa Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport.
Key Provisions of the Directive:
· Rejection of Somalia’s BSP Tickets: Effective immediately, tickets issued through Somalia’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) will no longer be accepted for departures from airports within the Republic of Somaliland. This restriction applies regardless of when the ticket was issued, including previously issued return tickets.
· Authorized Ticketing Channels: Tickets for departures from Somaliland must now be issued exclusively through authorized channels. These include official airline websites, mobile applications, airline ticket offices, airport ticket counters, and travel agents specifically licensed by the Department of Civil Aviation Regulation and Air Transport.
· Agent Licensing Deadlines: The Department will provide airlines with a list of travel agents identified as potentially non-compliant. Airlines are required to notify these agents to regularize their licensing status by October 31, 2026.
· Operational Restrictions: Effective November 1, 2026, airlines are permitted to maintain ticketing and distribution arrangements only with travel agents who meet Somaliland’s applicable licensing and authorization requirements.
Passenger Protection and Compliance:
The Ministry has instructed airlines to review their ticketing systems and distribution agreements immediately. Carriers are required to establish ticket-verification procedures and inform affected passengers of these new requirements to minimize disruption.
The Department of Civil Aviation Regulation and Air Transport will oversee the implementation of the directive. All affected airlines and distribution partners are expected to cooperate fully with the competent authorities.
