The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development has banned the acceptance of airline tickets issued through Somalia’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) for departures from Hargeisa Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport, introducing new requirements for airline ticketing and travel-agent licensing.
Under a ministerial regulatory directive issued on 25 October, the restriction takes immediate effect and applies to all affected tickets, regardless of when they were issued, including previously purchased return tickets.
The ministry said tickets for departures from Somaliland’s airports must now be issued through authorized airline channels, including official airline websites, mobile applications, airline ticket offices, airport ticket counters and travel agents licensed by Somaliland’s Department of Civil Aviation Regulation and Air Transport.
Travel Agents Face 31 October Deadline
The directive requires the department to provide affected airlines with a list of travel agents identified as potentially non-compliant. Airlines must notify the relevant agents and require them to regularize their licensing status, where applicable, by 31 October 2026.
From 1 November 2026, airlines may maintain ticketing and distribution arrangements only with travel agents who meet Somaliland’s applicable licensing and authorization requirements.
The measure establishes a regulatory framework governing ticket sales and travel-agent operations for passengers departing from the two international airports.
Airlines Ordered to Protect Passengers
The ministry has instructed airlines to review their ticketing systems, distribution agreements and existing bookings, establish procedures to verify tickets, and inform affected passengers about the new requirements.
Airlines must also coordinate with the department and relevant airport authorities to minimize disruption and ensure an orderly transition.
The department will oversee implementation within its regulatory authority, while airlines, their representatives, travel agents and distribution partners are required to cooperate with the competent authorities and comply with the directive’s deadlines.
The directive takes effect upon issuance, subject to applicable legal and administrative formalities.
The announcement was issued by the Office of the Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development of the Republic of Somaliland on 25 October 2026.