Somalia mandates National ID for all domestic flights

The Somali federal government has begun enforcing a new requirement mandating that passengers present a National Identity Card (NIRA) for all domestic flights. The measure, which took effect March 1 following a two-month postponement, aims to tighten security and modernize travel oversight.

Mustafa Sheikh Ahmed Dhuxulow, director of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority, oversaw the rollout. Officials stated the policy is designed to strengthen passenger identity verification and improve coordination between aviation authorities and security agencies. The initiative is part of a broader effort to rebuild administrative systems and modernize civil registration following decades of conflict. To date, nearly one million Somalis have been issued national identity cards.