In a major escalation of regional tensions, Somali authorities decided to refuse entry to an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Wednesday. The flight was carrying a delegation whose purpose was to introduce a high-ranking Ethiopian leader to Somaliland. This incident further complicates the already strained relationship between Somalia and its eastern neighbor.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority admitted that it had intercepted the plane before it entered Somali airspace and redirected it back to its origin in Addis Ababa. Official confirmation was provided by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, stating that Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8372 was "turned away" from Somali airspace.
Local media sources suggest that the denial was motivated by concerns regarding the delegation's objectives, particularly the planned introduction of a prominent Ethiopian leader to Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia actively seeking international recognition.
This latest incident occurs amid an ongoing dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia over a recent agreement that grants Ethiopia access to a military base in Somaliland. Somalia has vehemently condemned the agreement, labeling it as a "blatant violation of its territorial integrity and national unity."
The intercepted plane was later granted permission to continue its journey after clarification was provided by Ethiopian Airlines
