Somaliland Bans Somalia-Issued Airline Tickets in New Aviation Restrictions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | HARGEISA: Somaliland has banned airline tickets issued through Somalia’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) for departures from its two main airports, introducing new restrictions that could affect passengers, airlines and travel agencies operating in the region.

The directive, issued by Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, applies to flights departing from Hargeisa Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport, including passengers holding previously issued return tickets.

The move introduces another layer of regulation into air travel in Somaliland, a self-declared independent territory that has governed itself since 1991 but remains internationally recognised as part of Somalia.

Under the new rules, passengers must purchase tickets through authorised airline websites, mobile applications, airline offices, airport ticket counters or travel agencies licensed by Somaliland’s aviation authorities.

Airlines have been instructed to review existing bookings and ticketing arrangements to ensure compliance with the directive.

The ministry said travel agencies identified as potentially non-compliant would be given until October 31 to regularise their licensing status.

From November 1, airlines will only be allowed to maintain ticketing and distribution agreements with agencies that meet Somaliland’s licensing requirements.

The restrictions could create uncertainty for passengers who have already booked flights through travel agencies operating under Somalia’s BSP arrangements, particularly those holding return tickets.

The Billing and Settlement Plan is an airline industry system used to facilitate ticket sales and financial settlements between airlines and accredited travel agents.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of longstanding disagreements between authorities in Hargeisa and Mogadishu over sovereignty and control of public institutions, including aviation.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and maintains its own administration, security institutions and regulatory bodies. Somalia’s federal government, however, considers the territory an integral part of the country.

The latest directive does not explicitly link the ticketing restrictions to the political dispute, and Somaliland authorities have not explained whether the decision follows disagreements with Somalia’s aviation regulators.

The ministry said it would oversee implementation and instructed airlines to inform passengers of the changes and introduce verification procedures to minimise disruptions.

It remains unclear how many existing bookings or travel agencies will be affected, or whether passengers holding tickets issued through Somalia’s BSP will be offered alternative arrangements.

The directive also did not specify how airlines should handle refunds or ticket reissuance for affected travellers.