MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has refused to renew airspace entry permits for the Israeli airline Arkia, a move described by analysts as the first concrete act of diplomatic retaliation since Israel formally recognized Somaliland.
The decision threatens to disrupt flight operations between Tel Aviv and Thailand, forcing carriers to adopt longer, more costly routes to bypass the Horn of Africa.
Permit Denial
Arkia confirmed in a statement that it has not received approval to fly over Somalia for the month of February. Somali airspace serves as a vital corridor for Israeli flights traveling to Southeast Asia.
“If approval is not received by the beginning of February, the company will operate on an alternative route,” Arkia stated.
The airline noted that while flight schedules remain unchanged, the alternative paths will increase travel time and fuel costs. Arkia, which applies for overflight clearance on a monthly basis, stated it is coordinating with the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority and the Foreign Ministry to resolve the issue.
El Al Status
Israel’s flag carrier, El Al, stated that it does not currently expect immediate changes to its Thailand route. Unlike Arkia, El Al operates on an annual permit that remains valid until March.
However, aviation industry sources warn that El Al could face similar isolation once its current approval expires. If the ban is extended, it could threaten the profitability of popular flights to Bangkok and Phuket due to the significant detours required.
Diplomatic Fallout
The airspace denial comes amid escalating tensions following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement last month recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state. Somalia views the move as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mogadishu’s stance has been supported by a joint statement from Turkey, Egypt, and Djibouti, alongside condemnation from Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Control of Airspace
Somalia fully reclaimed management of its Flight Information Region (FIR) from Nairobi in recent years, granting the Federal Government sole authority to determine who enters its skies. Analysts suggest this denial constitutes the “first card” Mogadishu is playing to exert pressure on Israel.
The diplomatic rift is further complicated by strategic interests in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Reports indicate Israel is seeking to monitor Houthi activities near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, with potential logistical access to the Berbera Port, a prospect that has raised security concerns in Mogadishu.
