Israel has encountered an aviation restriction after Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority denied an airspace transit request submitted by Arkia, an Israeli-owned airline.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), which now exercises full control over Somalia’s airspace, rejected Arkia’s request for overflight clearance.
The airline has warned that without a resolution before the beginning of February, it will be forced to reroute its flights to Thailand.
The restriction is expected to require longer flight paths, increasing both travel time and fuel consumption.
Somalia’s decision comes against the backdrop of its regained authority over national airspace, which had previously been managed from Nairobi for decades following the collapse of the Somali state during the civil war.
The restoration of airspace control is widely viewed as a critical infrastructural and strategic pillar in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to informed sources, the decision is also linked to broader political considerations, including Somalia’s opposition to any form of engagement between Israel and Somali entities.
In particular, Mogadishu strongly rejects any recognition of, or diplomatic interaction with, Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region.
Israeli aviation authorities and diplomatic channels are reportedly seeking a resolution.
However, there are currently no indications from Somali authorities that the airspace restriction will be lifted in the near term.