Kenya has suspended flights to and from Somalia effective May 11 for three months.
The move dents the newly restored diplomatic ties announced a few days ago.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority in a notice to Airmen (NOTAM) without giving a reason, stated that all flights are suspended with the exception of medical and United Nations humanitarian flights.
Based on the following documents it seems Kenya has suspended flights between Kenya & Somalia.
This comes just days after Somalia announced resumption of diplomatic ties with Kenya. pic.twitter.com/M5vtWLH9QI— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) May 11, 2021
On the other hand, Somalia issued a notice reaffirming an earlier ban on flights carrying khat from Kenya.
“Carrying Mirra to Somalia is still prohibited and the policy of the Federal Government of Somalia did not change regarding the transportation of Miraa to Somalia airports,” read a statement sent to airline operators by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) on May 9.
“Transporting Mirra without clearance from SCAA will be considered an unlawful act and violation of Somali airspace,” the notice added.