Tuesday 6 Jan 2026 {HMC} Somaliland authorities have instructed Djibouti’s national carrier, Air Djibouti, to suspend flights to Somaliland starting Jan. 7, amid rising diplomatic tensions linked to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
BBC Somali reported on Monday that the self-declared republic informed the airline of the decision and set a deadline for the suspension. Air Djibouti had been operating several weekly flights to Somaliland, serving as a key air link between Hargeisa and Djibouti.
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Neither Somaliland officials nor Air Djibouti have publicly commented on the reported decision. BBC Somali said the airline is expected to issue a statement addressing the matter.
The reported suspension comes against the backdrop of a growing dispute between Somaliland and Djibouti following Israel’s announcement recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. Djibouti has been among the countries to oppose the move, reaffirming its support for Somalia’s federal government and the country’s territorial integrity.
Djibouti recently announced the closure of Somaliland’s diplomatic liaison office on its territory, a move widely seen as a signal of its opposition to Israel’s decision and its alignment with Mogadishu’s position.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community. Israel’s recognition has drawn criticism from Somalia and several regional and international actors, who argue the move violates international law and risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
If confirmed, the suspension of Air Djibouti flights would mark a further deterioration in relations between Somaliland and Djibouti, potentially affecting travel, trade and people-to-people ties between the two neighbors.
Source Hiiraan Online
