It is understood that Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have cancelled flights to and from Mogadishu, Somalia, following a warning from the US of a “potential imminent attack” at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ).
On March 4, 2025, after “tracking credible information” the US Embassy in Somalia issued an alert indicating multiple locations in the country, including Mogadishu’s airport, were at risk of attack.
“The U.S. Embassy in Somalia reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia,” the US Embassy said.
In response to the potential attack the embassy said that all staff movements in Mogadishu had been cancelled until further notice.
The US said that “methods of attack include, but are not limited to, car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and mortar fire”.
“They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, checkpoints, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys,” the US Embassy said.
The alert appears to be directed at Al-Shabaab which seeks to establish an Islamic state in Somalia. Since 2008, the US has designated the group a foreign terrorist organization
On March 3, 2025, the UN Security Council voted to “retain a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration and support Somalia in building its own capabilities.”
Both Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have canceled flights to and from Mogadishu since the embassy alert was issued.
According to flightradar24, both airlines cancelled scheduled flights on March 6, 2025, and Turkish Airlines cancelled a further one on March 7, 2025.
Neither Turkish Airlines nor Qatar Airways have publicly stated why the flights are cancelled.
Other carriers including Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines continue to operate from Aden Adde International Airport.
