HARGEISA – Hargeisa Egal International Airport has experienced a significant decline in passenger traffic due to the ongoing conflict in the Sool region and the recent launch of Flydubai’s daily service to Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport.
The conflict in Sool has led to increased security concerns and travel restrictions, discouraging travelers from choosing Hargeisa as a destination. Previously a bustling hub for regional travel, the airport has seen a sharp decrease in the number of passengers, severely impacting the local economy and tourism industry.
Additionally, Dubai-based carrier Flydubai has launched a daily service to Mogadishu, shifting its focus from Hargeisa where it used to operate regular flights. Ethiopian Airlines now offers only one flight per day to Hargeisa, resulting in even fewer passengers arriving at or departing from the city. This decline in passenger traffic is a significant blow to the airport’s operations and the local economy, which relies heavily on international visitors and commerce.
The decline in passenger traffic at Hargeisa Airport has serious implications for the local economy, as the revenue generated by the aviation industry is crucial for businesses operating in and around the airport, including hotels, restaurants, and taxi services.
Hargeisa Egal International Airport officials have expressed concern over the current situation and are actively seeking ways to attract more airlines and passengers to the airport. They are urging the Somaliland government and international community to step in and help resolve the conflict in the Sool region, which will pave the way for the restoration of passenger traffic.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Hargeisa Airport and the city’s economy will fare in the coming months. The airport’s future depends on the resolution of the conflict in the Sool region and the ability to attract new airlines and passengers to the area. For now, the local community is feeling the pinch as they brace for the impact of the decline in passenger traffic.
