Direct Hargeisa–Tel Aviv Flights Expected Soon

HARGEISA – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) has said direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv are expected to begin in the near future, underscoring the expanding relationship between Somaliland and Israel following a series of high-level meetings during his historic visit to Israel.In an interview with i24NEWS, President Irro said the planned air link is part of wider efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two sides. The president said Somaliland has long pursued stronger international connectivity, noting that travel to and from Hargeisa has often required passengers to pass through third countries, adding costs and logistical difficulties.

According to President Irro, the new route would create a direct connection between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv, making travel easier for business leaders, investors, tourists, and officials while improving access to international markets and partners. He said the flights could also help travelers from countries with close ties to Somaliland, including Israel and Taiwan, by offering a more efficient route into the territory.

The announcement follows President Irro’s recent state visit to Israel, where he opened Somaliland’s first embassy in Jerusalem and signed a strategic joint declaration of cooperation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A Milestone in Deepening Ties

The announcement comes as cooperation between Somaliland and Israel continues to grow following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in late 2025. Since then, the two sides have held discussions on agriculture, water management, healthcare, technology, security, and investment.

President Irro has described Israel as an important and dependable partner, stressing that Somaliland’s foreign policy aims to build international relationships that support economic growth and development. Israeli officials have also pointed to the expanding partnership, saying cooperation between the two sides has grown significantly and is expected to deepen in the years ahead.

Israel formally accepted Somaliland’s inaugural ambassador earlier this year, and the two sides have continued to exchange high-level visits and diplomatic delegations.

Political and Economic Implications

The move has drawn criticism from the Federal Government of Somalia, which rejects Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Israel and continues to regard Somaliland as part of Somali territory. Mogadishu has warned that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures against Israel over its expanding engagement with Somaliland, which it describes as a direct breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Despite the criticism, President Irro said Somaliland will continue seeking partnerships that advance its economic interests, attract investment, and expand its international engagement. Somaliland has indicated it is prepared to offer Israel rights to valuable mineral deposits in exchange for technology and investment, reflecting the broad scope of the emerging partnership.

The planned direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv are more than a transport project; they reflect the increasingly close relationship between Somaliland and Israel. For Somaliland, direct air connectivity would reduce dependence on indirect routes and could improve access for investors, businesses, aid organizations, and international visitors. Better connectivity is often seen as a key factor in economic development and global integration.

A Visible Symbol of Growing Relations

The proposed route also has political importance. Direct flights are widely viewed as a visible sign of growing diplomatic and economic relations between two partners, and for Somaliland, such a link would further highlight the practical benefits of its relationship with Israel. Economically, easier travel could support investment, trade missions, tourism, technology exchanges, and agricultural cooperation. Israel’s expertise in areas such as water management, innovation, healthcare, and agriculture matches several of Somaliland’s development priorities.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has reiterated its backing for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, warning that any steps weakening Somalia’s sovereignty could increase tensions and harm peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.

Politically, the move is likely to keep sparking debate in the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East. Supporters see the relationship as a chance for development and international engagement, while critics argue it could heighten regional tensions and complicate Somaliland’s relations with some countries in the Islamic world.

Overall, if carried out, direct Hargeisa–Tel Aviv flights would be one of the clearest results of the growing Somaliland-Israel partnership and could become a major part of future economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two sides.