Somalia's civil aviation authority is currently investigating a near-miss incident involving flights operated by Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. The incident, which could have resulted in a mid-air collision, has raised serious concerns about air safety and the management of Somali airspace. The close call occurred when instructions from Somalia's civil aviation authority risked the collision of the two planes. According to a Somaliland diplomat, the aviation authority ordered a Qatar Airways flight to fly at 40,000 feet, while an Ethiopian Airlines flight was already flying at 39,000 feet. The traffic collision avoidance systems on both aircraft were triggered, alerting the pilots to the potential danger.
.gif)
This incident has sparked an escalating row between authorities in Hargeisa and Mogadishu over who should control the Somali airspace. The Somaliland representative to Kenya, Mohamed Barawani, expressed alarm at the situation, stating that it was "very alarming and dangerous that Somalia's Aviation Authority is risking international flights".
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has not yet responded to these allegations. However, it has previously accused authorities in the break-away region of Somaliland of attempting to disrupt flights over the country's airspace with the help of an unnamed foreign nation.
Both Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are major players in the global aviation industry, and any incident involving these airlines could have significant implications. The investigation into this near-miss incident is ongoing, and it is hoped that it will lead to improved safety measures and better management of Somali airspace.