Galmudug Orders Closure of All Airports Ahead of September 30 Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Galmudug’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has ordered the closure of all airports under the regional administration from September 30, citing security concerns and the elections taking place across the state.

In an official letter, the ministry notified the Somali Civil Aviation Authority and airlines operating in Galmudug that all flights and airport-related services would be suspended from the date.

The move is expected to disrupt air links between cities in Galmudug and Mogadishu, affecting passengers and airlines operating routes to and from the federal member state.

The ministry did not specify how long the airports would remain closed or give a date for the resumption of flights.

The closure comes as Galmudug prepares for repeat elections scheduled for September 30. Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set the date for elections to the state’s House of Representatives and local councils, following the Supreme Court’s annulment of the previous Galmudug vote.

The electoral campaign officially ended on September 28, with 12 political organisations cleared to participate in the repeat election.

The airport shutdown adds a significant transport restriction to the election period, particularly for passengers, businesses and organisations that rely on air connectivity between Galmudug and Mogadishu.

Galmudug authorities have not indicated whether the suspension will affect all scheduled domestic flights throughout the state or whether any exemptions will be made for emergency or other essential services.

Further details on the implementation of the closure and the reopening of the airports are expected from the regional authorities and aviation regulators.