The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), accompanied by a high-level delegation, today conducted an inspection visit to Berbera International Airport as part of his official working tour of the Sahil region.
During the visit, the President received a detailed briefing from the Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, Hon. Fuad Ahmed Nuh, on the airport’s progress and future development strategies.
Minister Fuad outlined plans to position Berbera Airport as a key international aviation hub, facilitating transit flights across global routes. He noted that, despite his brief tenure, the airport has already attracted multiple regional airlines, marking significant progress in its operational expansion.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives to leverage Berbera Airport for the export of fish, livestock, and agricultural products, as well as preparations to launch dedicated cargo flights between Berbera and Addis Ababa. He further announced collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Trade and Tourism to introduce direct tourist flights on the same route.
Other dignitaries present—including the Mayor of Berbera, the Regional Governor, the Minister of Livestock, and the Minister of Interior and National Security—underscored the airport’s critical role in bolstering Somaliland’s economy and its strategic importance in the Horn of Africa.
President Cirro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Berbera Airport into a fully operational international gateway, open to both passenger and cargo traffic.
The President also commended Minister Fuad for fostering global partnerships in a short period, a milestone that paves the way for Berbera to serve as a key stopover for international flights traversing the region.
At the same time Irro, along with his delegation, continued his working visit to the Sahil region today with an inspection of the Berbera International Port, the National Oil Storage Facility, and other critical infrastructure sites.
Accompanied by regional and municipal officials, the President began his tour with an on-site assessment of a 200-meter (200M) coastal expansion zone. He received detailed briefings from the Minister of Public Works, Land, and Housing, the Berbera Municipal Administration, and the Governor of the Saaxil region regarding ongoing developments.
During his visit to the Berbera International Airport, President Cirro reviewed major infrastructure projects being undertaken by DP World, the port’s operator, including the deployment of state-of-the-art equipment. Port management provided updates on the significant progress achieved in modernizing and expanding port operations.
The President also toured the National Oil Storage Facility, where the Director, Mr. Mohamed Sidiq Dhamme, presented an overview of current expansion efforts and future development plans. Mr. Dhamme highlighted that the increased storage capacity will soon enable Somaliland to meet domestic fuel demands and support neighboring countries.
In his remarks, President Cirro commended the Saaxil regional administration, the Berbera municipality, and local communities for their role in sustaining peace—a cornerstone of economic growth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching large-scale development projects in the region and emphasized Berbera’s growing appeal as a hub for international investment.
Before concluding his visit, the President inspected advanced quality-control laboratories for food, pharmaceuticals, and other essential goods. He reviewed operational protocols and discussed efficiency measures with technical staff and management.
