Travelling in Ramadan and over Eid

Ramadan and the two Eids are the busiest times of the year for travel to and from Mogadishu: families fly home from the diaspora, pilgrims head to Jeddah, and the city's rhythm changes. A little planning makes the journey much easier.

Expected dates

Islamic year	Ramadan begins	Eid al-Fitr	Eid al-Adha
1448	8 February 2027	9 March 2027	16 May 2027
1449	28 January 2028	26 February 2028	5 May 2028
1450	16 January 2029	14 February 2029	24 April 2029

These follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. In Somalia the start of each month is announced after the moon sighting, so the actual day can be one day earlier or later. Keep your plans flexible around the Eid days.

The busiest weeks

The airport and airlines work normally throughout Ramadan — it is the crowds that change.

• The last ten days of Ramadan and the days just before each Eid are when flights into Mogadishu fill up and fares rise. Book as early as you can.
• Eid al-Adha falls during Hajj, so flights to and from Jeddah are especially full — see our Hajj and Umrah guide.
• Expect longer queues at check-in and security. Our leave-for-the-airport planner lets you add extra time.
• After Eid, return flights are busy for about a week.

Fasting on a journey

• The Qur'an allows travellers to postpone the fast and make up the days later (2:184–185). Whether you fast on the day you fly is your choice — ask a scholar you trust if you are unsure.
• If you fast, break it at sunset where you are. On a plane this means local sunset along the route, which many airlines announce; otherwise follow your departure city's time.
• Drink plenty of water at suhoor and keep medication in your hand luggage.
• Many airlines serving Mogadishu offer dates and a meal at iftar time, or will keep your meal until sunset. Ask the crew, or request it when you book.

In Mogadishu during Ramadan

• Government offices and many businesses work shorter hours and often close early in the afternoon — arrange meetings for the morning. Many shops stay open late at night after Tarawih prayers.
• Roads get very busy in the hour before iftar (maghrib). If your flight leaves in the evening, plan your trip to the airport early. Our prayer times page shows today's maghrib and fajr times.
• Many restaurants and cafés close in daylight and open at sunset for iftar; hotels usually keep serving their guests. During daylight, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public.

Eid at the airport

• Arrivals halls are crowded on the days before Eid — agree a meeting point with whoever is collecting you (see meeting someone at the airport).
• Exchange offices and banks may close for several days over Eid; carry some US dollars in small notes.
• Save your flight in My trip to get delay alerts on your phone.