Mogadishu/Garowe | Monitoring Unit - HAPC
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing constitutional and political crisis in Somalia (2026), a civilian flight operated by Daallo Airlines was forced to abort its landing in Garowe, the capital of Puntland state, and return to Mogadishu.
Incident Details (Source: Cirka News)
According to footage released by Cirka News from inside the aircraft cabin, passengers—including Federal Members of Parliament and civilians—were left in a state of distress. The pilot was reportedly ordered by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) to turn back while on final approach. Cirka News highlighted the intense political backlash following the incident, as critics accuse the administration of using national institutions to settle regional scores.
video link: https://x.com/i/status/2028096644164858360
HAPC Strategic Insight
The Horn of Africa Policy Center (HAPC) views this development as a significant shift in federal-regional dynamics:
Institutional Politicization: The use of airspace control as a political leverage point undermines the neutrality of state institutions.
Aviation Safety Risks: Forcing a descent-phase aircraft to abort raises critical safety concerns, potentially violating international ICAO standards.
Impact on Democratic Reform: Such actions complicate the path toward a consensus-based electoral process and deepen the “trust deficit” between Villa Somalia and the Federal Member States (FMS).
The plane returning from Garowe Airport
A picture of the airplane passengers while they are in a state of displeasure
Source Credit: Cirka News