How to Get to Mogadishu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel: Your Main Entry Point

Major Airports & Airlines

Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) is the main international airport, located within the heavily fortified Halane compound.

Airlines & Routes

Ethiopian Airlines: Connects through Addis Ababa (ADD).
Turkish Airlines: Direct intercontinental flight from Istanbul (IST).
Kenya Airways: Connects through Nairobi (NBO).
Qatar Airways: Connects through Doha (DOH).

Flight Planning & Airport Facilities

Flight availability generally remains consistent year-round. Demand stems mainly from business, diplomatic, plus of mankinditarian work.

Airport Experience

Prices can fluctuate; booking in advance is a good idea. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for options.
Airport facilities are relatively basic: limited duty-free, cafes, currency exchange.
High level of security within the Halane compound, with multiple checkpoints.
All transfers from MGQ require pre-arranged armed security escorts. No public taxis.

Main Air Hubs

The Capital of ethiopia, Istanbul, Nairobi, Doha are common transit points.

Consistent Availability

Flight availability generally remains consistent year-round, not seasonal.

Secure Accommodations

Many secure hotels arrange airport transfers as part of their services.

Transfer Options from Airport

Mandatory Security Escorts

All transfers from Aden Adde International Airport require pre-arranged armed security escorts.
Public taxis or ride-sharing services are not a safe option and should not be used.
This security measure is non-negotiable for foreign visitors.
Hotels and organizations typically arrange these transfers as part of their services.

Transport Logistics

Private vehicles with armed guards are the only safe and recommended mode of transport.
Confirm your airport transfer details with your security provider or local host well before arrival.
Movement within the city generally utilizes these pre-arranged, secure vehicles.
Local security protocols dictate these arrangements.

Helpful Tip for Arrival

Pre-Arrange Transfers

Confirm your airport transfer details with your security provider or local host well before your arrival. This step is critical.

Avoid Public Transport

Never attempt to use local public taxis or other unregulated transport options from the airport.

Stay Within Protocols

Adhere strictly to security protocols and the advice of your local connections upon landing.

Land Travel: High-Risk Pathways

Border Crossing Information

Land border crossings into Somalia from neighboring countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti) are generally considered extremely dangerous.

Risks at Borders

Ongoing conflict, banditry, and presence of armed groups.
These routes are unsafe and not recommended for foreign visitors.
Any land travel across borders or within Somalia requires extensive security planning and armed escorts.

Train & Bus Travel

Somalia does not have an operational passenger rail network. Train travel is not an option.

Public Transport Risks

Train Services: Not available in Somalia.
Long-Distance Bus: Highly insecure and not recommended for foreign visitors.
Bus services exist for locals but operate in high-risk environments with little protection.

Self-Driving Requirements

Self-driving is Not recommended for foreign visitors in Mogadishu or anywhere in Somalia. Local security protocols prohibit foreign nationals from driving themselves.

Why Self-Driving is Not Advised

Lack of clear road signs and poor road conditions.
Lack of reliable emergency services.
High risk of carjacking, ambushes, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Many roads in Mogadishu and between metropolises are in poor condition, unpaved, or damaged from conflict. This impacts travel time and vehicle wear.

Risks on Roads

High risk of ambush, IEDs, landmines (in some areas), and general insecurity.
Checkpoints are frequent and can be unpredictable.
Travel outside secure areas, even within Mogadishu, is extremely dangerous without armed escort.

Sea/River Arrivals: Not a Viable Option

No regular a ferry to another country services or cruise ship arrivals for tourism.
Limited local boat services for fishing, not organized for tourists.
Immigration facilities at seaports do not method foreign visitors.

River transportation is limited and not a safe mode for foreign visitors.
These routes often traverse insecure territories.
Foreign visitors should not use sea or river transport.

Departure: Planning Your Exit

Exit Procedures & Timing

Departure taxes are typically included in the air ticket price. Confirm this with your airline when booking. No extra cash payment should be required at the airport before you leave taxes.

Departure Logistics

Security: Same level of security as arrivals. Armed escort to Aden Adde International Airport.
Timing: Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
Procedures: Expect thorough security screenings. Cooperate fully with personnel.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Facilities for departing tourists are basic, similar to those upon arrival. Plan to spend most of your waiting time within your secure area or lounge rather than exploring the main terminal.

Terminal Amenities

A few cafes for refreshments.
Limited shops are present.
Some lounges are available for luxury passengers or authorized personnel.

Departure Security

Pre-arranged armed escort to the airport is mandatory for safety.

Ample Time

Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight for security procedures.

Cooperate Fully

Cooperate with all security personnel for smooth processing.

Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu

Airport Overview

Location

Located within the heavily fortified Halane compound, hosting diplomatic missions.

Security

High level of security with multiple checkpoints and thorough screenings.

Facilities

Basic amenities: limited shops, cafes, currency exchange.

Final Departure Check

Confirm all security plans for your transfer to the airport well in advance. Keep all necessary travel documents readily accessible.

How to Get to Mogadishu