In brief
- Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) declared Berbera International Airport open for global trade, according to Horn Diplomat's report dated 2025-03-24.
- The report does not establish that the airport has reopened, that an upgraded runway or new terminal exists, or that cargo or tourism flights are operating.
On 24 March 2025, Horn Diplomat reported that Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) had officially declared Berbera International Airport open for global trade, during an ongoing working visit to Berbera. That is the declaration as reported. It is not an SCR-verified fact that the airport is open for global trade, and the report does not establish what has happened since.
The report does not state that the airport was reopened, that an upgraded runway exists, or that a new terminal was built. It gives no scope, contractor, funder, contract value, start date or completion date for any modernization. The word "modernization" appears in the report only as context for Somaliland's stated aim to attract global airlines, cargo carriers and logistics companies, a claim attributed to Somaliland, not a documented construction milestone.
Officials' statements
President Cirro reaffirmed his administration's commitment to expanding Somaliland's aviation sector and ensuring Berbera International Airport remains fully operational for passenger and cargo flights, according to Horn Diplomat's report of his remarks. He also commended the Ministry of Civil Aviation for strengthening international partnerships to increase utilization of the airport by global airlines, a claim the report attributes to him. No named airline, agreement or MOU is given.
Horn Diplomat quoted President Cirro saying, "Berbera International Airport is a symbol of progress and opportunity for Somaliland. We are determined to see it thrive as a hub for trade and travel, connecting our nation to the world and creating new economic possibilities for our people."
Fuad Ahmed Nuh, identified by the report as Somaliland Minister of Civil Aviation and Airports Development, set out plans to use the airport for exporting fish, fresh produce and processed meat, tapping demand for African agricultural and livestock products in international markets. The report does not state export volumes, buyers or operators.
The minister announced that cargo flights between Berbera and Addis Ababa will be launched, as a future-tense statement. Horn Diplomat also reported a stated initiative to introduce tourism flights between Addis Ababa and Berbera. No airline, date, frequency, aircraft type or licensing record is given for either.
Context and caveats
Horn Diplomat described Berbera as located on the Gulf of Aden and a key gateway connecting Africa to the Middle East and beyond, and Berbera Port as a deep-sea port serving as a critical link for international trade. It described Somaliland as positioning itself as a crucial player in regional and global commerce with Berbera's modern airport and expanding trade links. Those are the publication's characterisations, not SCR findings.
One documentary caution: the page carries a 2025-03-24 URL date while its template displays Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Neither date is treated here as a verified publication date.
What happens next
The measures that would show implementation remain unrecorded. There is no evidence in the report of current passenger or cargo traffic volumes, no schedule for the announced flights, and no post-declaration development since 2025-03-24. Until those exist, the declaration is what is established, and the works are not.
Frequently asked questions
What did President Cirro declare about Berbera International Airport?
According to Horn Diplomat's report of 2025-03-24, he officially declared Berbera International Airport open for global trade, during an ongoing working visit to Berbera.
Are cargo flights between Berbera and Addis Ababa operating?
The report records the minister's future-tense announcement that cargo flights between Berbera and Addis Ababa will be launched. No airline, date or frequency is given, and the report does not establish that they are operating.
Was a new terminal or upgraded runway completed?
The report does not state that a new terminal or upgraded runway was completed, funded or contracted. It gives no scope, contractor, funder, contract value or dates for any modernization works.