In an interview with i24NEWS this week, Irro said the planned air link is part of efforts to ease international travel to Somaliland and reduce dependence on regional transit routes.

Irro said direct flights would allow travelers to stop in Tel Aviv and continue directly to Hargeisa, improving access for visitors, businesspeople and investors.

He said the route could also support travel between Somaliland and international partners, including Israel and Taiwan.

The announcement comes as Somaliland-Israel relations have expanded rapidly since Israel reportedly recognized Somaliland in late 2025.

Since then, the two sides have discussed cooperation in agriculture, water management, health, security, technology and investment. Irro described Israel as a "valuable and reliable friend.”

Israeli officials have also said Israel and Somaliland previously maintained secret cooperation in several areas and now want to expand ties in security, economic and diplomatic fields.

Somalia’s federal government has strongly opposed Israel’s engagement with Somaliland, saying the recognition and diplomatic ties violate Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Several Arab and Islamic organizations have also condemned the opening of a Somaliland mission in Jerusalem and the growing relationship between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government, security forces and election institutions. Somalia rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and says the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.