HARGEISA (SD)– President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has announced that direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv are expected to begin in the near future, marking another milestone in the rapidly expanding relationship between Somaliland and Israel.

In an interview with i24NEWS, President Irro said the planned air link forms part of broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two sides.

The president noted that Somaliland has long sought greater international connectivity, pointing out that travel to and from Hargeisa has often required passengers to transit through third countries, creating additional costs and logistical challenges.

According to President Irro, the new route would provide a direct connection between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv, facilitating travel for business leaders, investors, tourists, and officials while improving access to international markets and partners.

He said the flights could also benefit travelers from countries that maintain close relations with Somaliland, including Israel and Taiwan, by providing a more efficient route into Somaliland.

The announcement comes amid growing cooperation between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in late 2025. Since then, both sides have engaged in discussions covering sectors such as agriculture, water management, healthcare, technology, security, and investment.

President Irro described Israel as an important and reliable partner, emphasizing that Somaliland’s foreign policy is focused on building international relationships that contribute to economic growth and development.

Israeli officials have similarly highlighted the growing partnership, noting that cooperation between the two sides has expanded significantly and is expected to deepen further in the coming years.

The development has, however, drawn criticism from the Federal Government of Somalia, which opposes Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Israel and continues to view Somaliland as part of Somali territory. Some countries and organizations supportive of the Palestinian cause have also expressed opposition to the strengthening relationship.

Despite the criticism, President Irro stated that Somaliland intends to continue pursuing partnerships that advance its economic interests, attract investment, and strengthen its international engagement.

The announcement of direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv represents more than a transportation project; it is a symbol of the increasingly close relationship between Somaliland and Israel.

For Somaliland, direct air connectivity would reduce reliance on intermediary routes and potentially improve access for investors, businesses, aid organizations, and international visitors. Improved connectivity is often viewed as an important component of economic development and international integration.

The proposed route also carries political significance. Direct flights are commonly seen as a visible sign of growing diplomatic and economic ties between two partners. In Somaliland’s case, such a link would further demonstrate the practical benefits of its relationship with Israel.

Economically, easier travel could encourage investment, trade missions, tourism, technology exchanges, and agricultural cooperation. Israel’s expertise in sectors such as water management, innovation, healthcare, and agriculture aligns with several of Somaliland’s development priorities.

Politically, the move is likely to generate continued debate in the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East. Supporters view the relationship as an opportunity for development and international engagement, while critics argue it could increase regional tensions and complicate Somaliland’s relations with some countries in the Islamic world.

Overall, if implemented, direct Hargeisa–Tel Aviv flights would represent one of the most tangible outcomes of the growing Somaliland-Israel partnership and could become a key element of future economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two sides.