This file picture shows a Boeing 757-3E7 with the international call sign 4X-BAW of Israeli airliner Arkia taken over the Rhodes airport Diagoras on April 27, 2000. Reuters/Jorgos Tsambikakis
The Federal Government of Somalia has denied Israeli airline Arkia permission to use its airspace, a move that Israeli media described as the first “diplomatic retaliation” since Tel Aviv recognized north Somalia as a independent state.
The decision will force Arkia to change its flight route to Thailand, which will now take longer routes than before, increasing travel time and fuel costs.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet), Arkia did not receive a renewal of its airspace permit in February. Somali airspace is a key route for Israeli airlines between Southeast Asia and Tel Aviv.
“If we do not receive permission by early February, the airline will operate on other routes,” Arkia said, although it confirmed that its flight schedule would remain unchanged.
While the ban has now directly affected Arkia, Israel’s flag carrier El Al said it had not yet faced such a challenge, as its annual permit is valid until March.
However, airline sources warn that El Al could face a similar blockade when the time comes.
If that happens, it could jeopardize the profitability of its popular flights to Bangkok and Phuket, as it would be forced to take much longer, circuitous routes.
The ban comes amid a diplomatic row over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s December 26 decision to recognize north Somalia as a independent state.
The move, which Israel said would strengthen regional stability, is seen by the Somalia government as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, in a joint statement last month, described Israel’s decision as “setting a dangerous precedent” and contrary to international law.
The Red Sea Challenge
Political analysts believe Israel’s recognition is based on its strategic interests in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Israel is said to be seeking a base near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to monitor the movements of Yemen’s Houthi group, which has been attacking international shipping.
The report adds that the Hargeisa-Tel Aviv agreement could allow Israel to use the Berbera Port for logistical and intelligence purposes, a matter of great concern to Mogadishu and its regional allies.
Somalia has power to decide who can fly in its airspace. The move appears to be Mogadishu’s “first card” in its bid to pressure Israel.
Arkia said it was working with the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority and the Foreign Ministry to find a solution, but the closure of Somalia airspace shows that the “political storm” in the region has now moved to outer space.