Friday January 30, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Israeli airline Arkia says it has not yet received renewed authorization to fly over Somali airspace after its current permit expires at the end of January, a delay that could force the carrier to reroute flights to Thailand if clearance is not granted in time.

In a statement on Thursday, Arkia said the issue relates to standard international aviation procedures requiring airlines to periodically renew overflight permits.

“As of now, Arkia has not yet received the renewal of the periodic permit for air transit over Somalia for February,” the airline said.

The carrier said that if approval is not secured by the start of February, flights will operate along an alternative route. Arkia stressed that any rerouting would not affect flight schedules or passengers.

The permit uncertainty comes amid heightened political tensions following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region that Somalia considers an integral part of its sovereign territory. Israel’s move has sparked protests across Somalia, where demonstrators have condemned the decision as a violation of national unity and territorial integrity.

Somalia’s federal government has formally protested the recognition and launched diplomatic efforts to oppose it. Regional and international organizations including the African Union, United Nations, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Arab League have reiterated their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and criticized actions seen as undermining it.

Arkia said the overflight permit matter is being handled by Israeli authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority and the Foreign Ministry. There has been no public comment from Somali aviation officials on the status of the permit.

Israeli media have reported that the overflight authorization for Israel’s national carrier, El Al, is not due for renewal until March, meaning Arkia would be the first airline affected if approval is not granted.