Puntland Revokes Daallo Airlines’ License Over Safety Allegations

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: The Ministry of Civil Aviation of Puntland has officially revoked the operating license of Daallo Airlines for both domestic and international flights, citing serious safety concerns.
In a statement released by the ministry, authorities said the airline had “twice endangered citizens and Puntland officials” and violated civil aviation laws and regulations. The government did not immediately provide technical details of the alleged violations but described the action as necessary to protect passengers and aviation personnel.
The decision follows an incident involving a flight bound for Garowe that was carrying several Members of the Somali Parliament. The presence of lawmakers on board has heightened the political sensitivity of the matter, although no injuries have been reported.
Long-Standing Carrier in the Region
Daallo Airlines is one of the longest-serving Somali-owned carriers, with decades of operations linking Somalia to Ethiopia and key destinations in the Gulf region. The airline has historically operated routes between Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and cities such as Dubai and Jeddah, serving business travelers, diaspora communities, and pilgrims.
Its suspension in Puntland is expected to disrupt flight schedules and travel plans, particularly for passengers relying on regional connections through Garowe and Bosaso.
Regulatory Enforcement
The Puntland Civil Aviation Ministry emphasized that the revocation forms part of broader efforts to enforce compliance with aviation safety standards. Officials stressed that all airlines operating in Puntland airspace must adhere strictly to civil aviation laws and regulatory frameworks.
“Passenger safety is non-negotiable,” the statement said, underscoring the government’s position that regulatory enforcement will apply equally to all carriers.
Daallo Airlines has not yet issued an official response to the suspension.
The development comes amid ongoing debates over aviation governance and regulatory oversight in Somalia, where coordination between federal and regional authorities has at times been contested.