Fear that Somalia will ban Israeli flights from passing through its territory

The government of Somalia is re-examining the air transit policy of Israeli companies in its territory, when according to the reports that arrived at the offices of Arkia this morning, the company’s periodic transit approval for the month of February has not yet been renewed. Arkia’s flights to destinations such as Bangkok regularly pass through Somali airspace, but currently it seems that the company will be forced to prepare for alternative routes.

Israel is currently studying the decision, and at this stage, according to reports, El Al has not yet received a similar notification about a change in its routes, which gives rise to estimates that this is a gradual step or a bureaucratic glitch affected by political tensions.

The background to the uncertainty surrounding the flight permits is apparently related to Israel’s decision to recognize the independence of Somaliland, a step that provoked strong diplomatic indignation in Mogadishu. The Somali government sees the process as a direct violation of its sovereignty and regional stability, and it is possible that the delay in granting the flight permits is the way of the authorities in the Horn of Africa to signal their displeasure. For the Israeli airlines, which rely on the southern route to reach the Far East, the closure of Somali airspace is a logistical challenge that requires planning detour routes and dealing with higher fuel costs.

The impact on Arkie is considered particularly complex since the company manages its transit permits vis-à-vis Somalia with regular monthly renewal. Not receiving the approval for the month of February exposes the company to the need for immediate solutions to maintain the planned flight schedule.

Markie said: “As part of the international aviation routine, airlines periodically submit periodic requests for air transit approvals on various routes. As of this date, Arkia has not yet received the renewal of the periodic air transit approval for the month of February over Somalia. An inspection carried out by the company indicates that the other Israeli airlines have also not yet received the renewal of the relevant periodic approvals. The issue has been transferred to the handling of the authorized bodies, including the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Arkia works in full coordination with them. It is important to note that as long as the approval is not received by the beginning of February, the company will operate on an alternative route, without any change in the flight schedules and without harm to passengers. Arkia will continue to update as necessary.”