Somalia-Somaliland aviation settlement dispute

Somalia has formally reinstated the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Mogadishu, marking its return to the global airline ticket settlement system after 35 years. The initiative, launched by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, aims to centralize payments for international ticket sales and reduce local agency reliance on foreign networks.

In response, Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development has banned the acceptance of airline tickets issued through Somalia’s BSP system for departures from Hargeisa Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport. The directive applies to both new and existing bookings.

Somaliland authorities have instructed airlines to implement ticket-verification procedures and notify passengers. To comply with local regulations, travelers must use authorized channels such as official airline websites or agents licensed by Somaliland’s Department of Civil Aviation Regulation and Air Transport. From November 1, 2026, airlines in the region may only maintain distribution arrangements with agents that meet Somaliland’s specific authorization requirements.