Somaliland’s Berbera International Airport Declared Open for International Trade

[Deeq A.]

On March 25, 2025, the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, announced the opening of Berbera International Airport for international trade.

During a working visit to the Sahel Region, President Irro, accompanied by a delegation, inspected the airport and received a briefing from the Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, Fuad Ahmed Nuh.

The minister outlined plans to transform Berbera into an international hub, including exporting local products and initiating cargo and tourism flights connecting Addis Ababa and Berbera.

Berbera International Airport has a notable history. Originally built in the 1970s by the Soviet Union, it featured one of Africa’s longest runways. In 2021, the airport underwent significant renovations funded by the United Arab Emirates, reopening for international passengers on November 20, 2021.

President Irro, who assumed office on December 12, 2024, has prioritized enhancing Somaliland’s infrastructure and international connectivity.

The operationalization of Berbera International Airport aligns with his administration’s goals to boost trade and tourism, positioning Berbera as a key player in the Horn of Africa’s economic landscape.

The government’s strategy includes exporting fish, vegetables, and dried meat from Berbera, and launching cargo flights between Addis Ababa and Berbera.

Collaborations with the Ministry of Trade and Tourism are also underway to initiate tourism flights between the two cities.

Local officials, including the Mayor of Berbera and regional ministers, have emphasized the airport’s significance to Somaliland and the broader region.

The opening of Berbera International Airport for international trade marks a significant milestone in Somaliland’s efforts to enhance its economic infrastructure and global engagement.

Qaran News