Meeting someone at Mogadishu airport

Collecting a relative or guest at Aden Adde International Airport takes a little planning, because access to the airport area is controlled by security checkpoints and procedures change from time to time.

Follow the flight

• Watch the flight on our arrivals board, or open it and tap “Save to My trip” to see a countdown and switch on phone alerts.
• Go by the expected time, not the scheduled one — long-haul connections via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or Addis Ababa often land early or late.

Allow time after landing

After landing, passengers go through immigration (foreign passport holders show their eTAS approval), baggage reclaim and another bag screening. Expect to wait at least an hour after landing, and longer when several flights arrive together or a bag is missing.

Agree the pickup in advance

• Depending on current procedures, drivers may meet passengers at the terminal exit or at a designated vehicle checkpoint outside. Ask the hotel, transfer company or a driver who does airport runs where pickups are allowed today.
• Send the passenger the driver's name, phone or WhatsApp number and the vehicle details before they fly.
• Make sure the passenger has a phone that works on arrival, or agree a fixed meeting point and time if they don't.
• Carry your own ID at checkpoints.

If something goes wrong

If the passenger doesn't come out, check the flight status and call or message them — immigration or a missing bag is the usual reason. For a delayed or cancelled flight, contact the airline; see our airline pages.

Always follow instructions from security staff. Procedures at MGQ change; treat this guide as orientation.