Doolow Airport, also known as Dolow Airstrip, is a modest, unpaved airfield situated in the town of Doolow in Somalia’s Gedo region, near the Ethiopian border.
Despite its limited infrastructure, the airstrip plays a crucial role in the region, serving as a vital hub for humanitarian aid deliveries and regional connectivity.
Doolow Airport – The Full Story
In November 2021, a cargo plane operated by the World Food Programme caught fire upon landing at the dusty Dolow airstrip.
The aircraft, a C-160 model, was arriving from Mogadishu when it went up in flames along the runway. Fortunately, the pilot and crew escaped without injuries.
This incident highlights the challenging conditions and safety concerns associated with operating at the airstrip.
Doolow Airport Geopolitical Struggle
In September 2024, Ethiopian forces reportedly seized control of key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region, including Doolow, amid escalating tensions between the Somali federal government and Ethiopia.
This move was part of a broader geopolitical struggle involving military deployments and regional alliances .
Additionally, in June 2023, the Ethiopian military base located near Doolow was targeted by two suicide bombings carried out by the extremist group Al-Shabaab.
The attacks involved a vehicle laden with explosives and a suicide bomber with an explosive vest, leading to significant security concerns in the area.
Finally… Somalia Lifts the Long Ban on Doolow Town
The Federal Government of Somalia has lifted the long-standing airspace ban on the town of Doolow in the Gedo region of Jubaland State.
This paves the way for the resumption of flights to this strategic border town.
A statement from the office of the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, said: “The decision aims to meet the needs of the local population—especially as the Hajj season approaches—to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and citizens.”
This move comes as the Somali government seeks to establish a parallel administration in Jubaland State, signaling a rise in political tensions between the two sides.
