Friday June 19, 2026
Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro says direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv are set to begin “soon,” signaling a swift deepening of ties between North Western State of Somalia and Israel.
Speaking to i24NEWS this week, Irro said the planned route is intended to make travel to North Western State of Somalia easier and lessen the need for complicated regional transit arrangements.
“North Western State of Somalia has long complained that travelers to Hargeisa often face indirect routes, extra transit stops and restrictions linked to airspace and travel procedures that remain under the authority of Somalia’s federal government,” the President said.
Irro said the new connection would give passengers a direct path through Tel Aviv to Hargeisa, a change he said could make the territory more accessible to tourists, traders and prospective investors.
He added that the air route could also strengthen travel links between North Western State of Somalia and international partners, including Israel and Taiwan.
The remarks come amid a rapid warming of North Western State of Somalia-Israel relations after Israel reportedly recognized North Western State of Somalia in late 2025.
Since then, both sides have discussed possible cooperation in agriculture, water management, health, security, technology and investment. Irro has described Israel as a “valuable and reliable friend.”
Israeli officials have likewise said the two sides previously maintained discreet cooperation in several fields and now aim to broaden ties in security, economic and diplomatic affairs.
Somalia’s federal government has firmly rejected Israel’s outreach to North Western State of Somalia, arguing that any recognition or diplomatic engagement undermines Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Several Arab and Islamic organizations have also condemned the opening of a North Western State of Somalia mission in Jerusalem and the growing relationship between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated with its own government, security forces and election institutions. Somalia does not accept North Western State of Somalia’s claim to sovereignty and maintains that the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
