Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have suspended all flights to and from Mogadishu following an urgent terror warning from the US Embassy in Somalia. The alert, issued on March 4, 2025, cited a potential imminent attack targeting multiple locations, including Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Somalia’s busiest air hub.

According to the US Embassy in Somalia, intelligence reports indicated a heightened risk of bombings, kidnappings, and armed attacks. The embassy canceled all staff movements in Mogadishu and urged US citizens to exercise extreme caution.

Authorities suspect that the warning is linked to Al-Shabaab, a militant group that has engaged in terrorist activities across Somalia for years. The US designated Al-Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization in 2008, and the United Nations has reinforced financial sanctions against the group to curb its operations.

Airlines Respond to Heightened Security Risks

Following the embassy alert, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways—two of the largest international carriers serving Mogadishu—immediately halted their scheduled flights. According to Flightradar24, flights on March 6, 2025, were canceled, with Turkish Airlines suspending additional flights on March 7, 2025.

Despite the cancellations, neither airline has issued a formal statement explaining the suspensions. However, industry experts believe the decision aligns with standard aviation security protocols, which require airlines to prioritize passenger safety when faced with terror threats at key infrastructure points.

Security at Aden Adde International Airport

Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu’s main gateway, has long been a strategic target for terrorist attacks. Security forces regularly patrol the area, and access to the airport is heavily restricted. However, the threat of car bombs, mortar fire, and suicide bombers remains high, particularly as terrorist groups seek to undermine Somalia’s fragile security environment.

While Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have pulled out of Mogadishu for now, other carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines, continue to operate flights. These airlines have not announced any security-related changes, but they are likely monitoring the situation closely.

Global Aviation Risks and Airline Safety Measures

The situation in Mogadishu underscores the ongoing aviation security challenges faced by airlines operating in conflict zones. In recent years, heightened terror threats in Africa and the Middle East have forced airlines to reassess their flight routes and implement stricter security measures.

Airline industry analysts note that suspensions like these are not unprecedented. Similar flight bans and route adjustments have occurred in regions facing geopolitical instability, including Libya, Afghanistan, and Yemen. The rapid response by Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways highlights the importance of real-time intelligence gathering and risk assessment in global aviation.

UN Security Council Strengthens Sanctions Against Al-Shabaab

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has responded to the growing security threat by implementing stricter financial sanctions against Al-Shabaab. On March 3, 2025, the UNSC voted to retain an enhanced sanctions package aimed at disrupting the group’s finances, cutting off external funding, and bolstering Somalia’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

These measures are part of an international effort to stabilize Somalia and prevent future attacks on government and civilian infrastructure. However, the security situation remains volatile, and further threats to Mogadishu’s airports, government buildings, hotels, and crowded areas cannot be ruled out.

What’s Next? Future of Flights to Mogadishu

As the terror threat persists, aviation experts predict that airlines will continue to evaluate the risks associated with operating in Somalia. If the situation stabilizes, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways may resume flights, but ongoing security assessments will dictate their long-term strategy.

For now, passengers booked on Mogadishu-bound flights with Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways should check their airline’s official website for updates on flight resumption and rebooking options. Travelers are also encouraged to follow security advisories from government agencies and international consulates.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, and other regional carriers continue to operate, although they remain on high alert for potential security developments.

Conclusion: Aviation Security in High-Risk Regions

The suspension of Mogadishu flights by Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in certain parts of the world. As terror threats persist, airlines must balance passenger safety with operational continuity, making tough decisions based on the latest intelligence.

While flights may eventually resume, the evolving security landscape in Somalia suggests that Mogadishu’s aviation industry will continue to face disruptions in the foreseeable future. Travelers planning to fly to or from Somalia should remain vigilant, stay informed, and prioritize safety in light of the latest developments.