Egypt launches direct flights to Djibouti, Somalia to boost regional ties

As part of efforts to enhance cooperation with the Horn of Africa, Egypt inaugurated direct flights between Cairo, Djibouti City and Mogadishu on Friday. The move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster Egypt’s political, security, economic and commercial interests in the region.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh Al-Hefny marked this milestone by boarding the inaugural EgyptAir flight to Djibouti and Mogadishu.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated: “The inauguration of this direct flight line between Egypt and both Djibouti and Somalia comes within the framework of keenness to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and ties between the peoples of the three countries.”

Egypt Air launches direct flights between Cairo and Mogadishu, making it one of the international airlines operating in Somalia, alongside Turkey and Qatar 🇶🇦🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/wiWDDEgHzB

— Abdikarin Dahir (@Abdikarindahirr) July 14, 2024

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that at a press conference held at Aden Adde International Airport, Abdelatty and his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Ma’allin Fiqi, expressed optimism about the potential impact of EgyptAir’s flights.

Fiqi highlighted that these new connections would not only enhance economic ties but also promote trade, tourism and investment opportunities. The flight route, which includes a stop in Djibouti City before continuing to Mogadishu, is expected to facilitate greater diplomatic engagement and people-to-people exchanges, the agency added.

Salah Halima, Deputy President of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, said: “It reflects Cairo’s plans to strengthen relations in the economic, commercial and security spheres. Such a move has a positive impact in facilitating the movement of people and promoting commercial activity with the two countries.”

Halima further explained that security interests are a primary driver for this initiative, given the region’s security challenges: “The Egyptian move stems from the fact that both countries are part of the Egyptian national security.”

He linked Egypt’s actions to regional developments, such as the Gaza war, the Sudan crisis, and Ethiopian-Somali tensions.

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