Erigavo, the capital city of Sanaag region, is one of the most important and unique regions in Somaliland. Often known as the “region of grandfathers,” Sanaag is rich in history, culture, livestock, natural resources, tourism, agriculture, and traditional heritage. The region is famous for its breathtaking Daallo Mountain, long coastline, cool highlands, frankincense and myrrh trees, livestock wealth, and strong cultural traditions that have existed for generations.
Sanaag is not only important culturally and geographically, but also economically. It has the potential to become one of the leading regions in Somaliland in tourism, agriculture, livestock exports, natural products, and investment. However, despite its enormous potential, the region still lacks one of the most important tools needed for development in the modern world: a fully functional and operational airport.
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Erigavo Airport
A modern Erigavo Airport (ERA/HCMU) is no longer simply a local project. It is a strategic national necessity. It is an infrastructure project that can transform the economy of Sanaag, improve connectivity, support businesses, encourage tourism, attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen national unity and development.
The government of Somaliland, led by the Waddani Party, promised during the election campaign to rebuild and develop Erigavo Airport. Such a promise carries both political and national importance. Delivering this airport would not only fulfill an important commitment to the people of Sanaag, but would also demonstrate seriousness, credibility, and commitment to balanced regional development across Somaliland.
Sanaag region has huge untapped potential
Sanaag region possesses natural and economic advantages that many regions in the Horn of Africa would envy. The region combines mountains, forests, coastlines, fertile land, livestock, and natural products in one area. The famous Daallo Mountain is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Somaliland, with its cool climate, forests, and scenic views attracting visitors from different regions.
The region also has strong potential for eco-tourism, cultural tourism, culinary tourism, and adventure tourism. Visitors can experience traditional Somali culture, local food, historical sites, coastal areas, and natural landscapes that are still largely untouched.
However, tourism cannot grow properly without reliable transportation infrastructure. Long and difficult road journeys discourage many travelers, investors, and tourists. A modern airport would significantly improve accessibility and make Erigavo easier to reach for local and international visitors.
Tourism has the power to create thousands of opportunities. Hotels, restaurants, transport companies, tour operators, local markets, and handicraft businesses would all benefit from increased visitor numbers. Young people would gain employment opportunities, while local communities would generate additional income.
An operational Airport means a stronger economy
An airport is more than just a runway and terminal building. In today’s world, airports are economic engines. They connect regions to trade, investment, business opportunities, and global markets.
A fully operational Erigavo Airport would stimulate economic growth across Sanaag region. Better connectivity would encourage the movement of people, goods, services, and investments. Business owners would travel more easily, investors would gain confidence, and local products would reach markets faster and more efficiently.
The region’s livestock sector would benefit greatly from improved transportation and cargo services. Sanaag has long been known for its livestock production, which remains one of the backbone sectors of Somaliland’s economy. Faster logistics and easier movement of veterinary supplies, traders, and exporters would strengthen the sector further.
At the same time, Sanaag’s famous frankincense and myrrh products could gain better access to international markets. These products are highly valued around the world for use in perfumes, cosmetics, medicines, and religious purposes. A cargo facility at Erigavo Airport could help local producers export products directly and reduce dependency on expensive and slow transport routes.
Agricultural products, seafood, natural resources, and future mining activities would also benefit from improved air connectivity.
Encouraging investment and business confidence
Infrastructure attracts investment. Investors are more likely to invest in regions that are accessible, connected, and supported by modern infrastructure.
A functional airport in Erigavo would send a strong message that Sanaag region is open for business and development. Investors in tourism, agriculture, livestock, logistics, telecommunications, hospitality, energy, and trade would see new opportunities in the region.
The airport would also encourage diaspora investment. Many Somalilanders living abroad are originally from Sanaag region and wish to invest in their homeland. Easier and safer travel would strengthen their connection with the region and encourage more economic activities.
In many countries, airports become centers of economic activity. Around airports, new businesses emerge, including hotels, warehouses, transport services, travel agencies, restaurants, banks, retail shops, and logistics companies. Erigavo has the potential to experience similar growth if proper planning and investment are implemented.
Creating jobs and opportunities for young people
One of the biggest challenges facing Somaliland today is unemployment, especially among the youth. Airport development can play a major role in addressing this challenge.
The construction phase alone would create temporary employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, drivers, construction workers, suppliers, and service providers. Once operational, the airport would require trained personnel in airport management, aviation security, customer service, maintenance, firefighting, cargo operations, air traffic support, and administration.
Indirect employment opportunities would also increase. Taxi drivers, hotel workers, shop owners, restaurant operators, tour guides, and transport companies would all benefit from airport activity.
For many young people in Sanaag, the airport could become a source of hope and economic opportunity.
Improving healthcare, education, and emergency response
An airport does not only serve business and tourism. It also supports social development and public services.
For patients needing urgent medical treatment, fast air transportation can save lives. Medical evacuations become easier and quicker. Doctors, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance can reach remote communities more efficiently.
The airport would also improve access to education and professional training opportunities. Teachers, trainers, researchers, and educational experts could travel more easily to and from the region.
During emergencies such as droughts, floods, or humanitarian crises, Erigavo Airport could become a strategic hub for relief operations and emergency response.
The importance of modern Airport facilities
To serve the region properly, Erigavo Airport should include modern and practical facilities that meet current and future needs.
The passenger terminal should include check-in areas, security screening, immigration services, waiting lounges, baggage claim systems, customs services, airline offices, restrooms, restaurants, and commercial spaces.
A dedicated cargo terminal is equally important. Since Sanaag is rich in livestock and natural products, cargo services will be essential for exports and imports. The cargo area should include customs offices, health inspection facilities, freight handling areas, airline cargo offices, security services, and storage facilities.
Supporting infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, communications systems, and transport access should also be improved around the airport area.
Planning for the airport should focus not only on today’s needs but also on future expansion and long-term economic growth.
https://mocaad.govsomaliland.org/article/erigavo-airport
A promise that should be fulfilled
Infrastructure promises made during elections should not remain only campaign messages. Delivering such projects strengthens public trust and confidence in government institutions.
The people of Sanaag have waited many years to see meaningful infrastructure development in their region. Rebuilding Erigavo Airport would show that balanced national development matters and that all regions deserve equal opportunities for growth and progress.
More importantly, this airport is not only for Erigavo or Sanaag alone. It is a national investment for Somaliland’s future. A stronger Sanaag means a stronger Somaliland.
Erigavo Airport has the potential to become a gateway for tourism, trade, investment, exports, jobs, and development. The region already has the resources, the beauty, the culture, and the economic potential. What is now needed is the infrastructure to unlock that potential.
The promise has already been made. The time has now come to turn that promise into reality.
Abdikarim Ali Baarjeeh
Aviation Consultant and Writer
