A joint statement issued by Yemen's internationally recognized Ministries of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and Transport on Friday, May 24, 2024, accused the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, of obstructing travel arrangements for Yemeni Hajj pilgrims departing from Sana'a International Airport.

The statement, reported by the official Yemeni news agency Saba, emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for all Yemenis, stating that the Ministry of Awqaf had taken necessary measures to ensure a smooth and easy journey. It highlighted the government's commitment to equality and equal opportunities for all Yemenis, regardless of background or location, in coordination with relevant domestic and international entities.

The statement further explained that the Ministry of Awqaf had coordinated with the Ministry of Transport in the temporary capital Aden to arrange air travel services, including the opening of all Yemeni airports, including Sana'a International Airport, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.

However, the joint statement alleged that these efforts were met with "arbitrary measures" imposed by the Houthis, described as lacking justification and responsibility, to hinder and obstruct the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to the statement, these measures included preventing licensed Hajj agencies from fulfilling their duties, subjecting them to various forms of pressure and extortion, and preventing them from paying for air tickets, allegedly aimed at seizing the pilgrims' money.

The Ministries held the Houthi group fully responsible for any potential hindrance to the Hajj pilgrimage for Yemeni citizens, highlighting the financial burden this would impose on pilgrims and the Hajj service providers.

Earlier on Wednesday, May 22, the Minister of Awqaf and Guidance in the internationally recognized Yemeni government, Mohammed Shabibah, accused the Houthis of imposing arbitrary measures targeting Yemeni pilgrims traveling to Mecca. In a social media post, Shabibah alleged that the Houthis were imposing arbitrary measures and obstacles to extort Hajj and Umrah agencies under their control, aiming to seize pilgrims' money, potentially depriving them of performing the Hajj pilgrimage and visiting the holy sites.

He further alleged that these measures included obstructing airfare payment for pilgrims departing from Sana'a International Airport, seizing the funds, arresting employees of Hajj and Umrah agencies, threatening to shut down their businesses, and preventing them from fulfilling their duties towards pilgrims.

On May 19, the Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance announced an agreement with Yemenia Airlines to transport Yemeni pilgrims from five Yemeni airports, including Sana'a International Airport, after coordination with the Saudi authorities.

Previous reports, citing Yemeni Hajj agency owners, had warned of a potential crisis threatening to disrupt this year's Hajj season due to financial disputes between the Yemenia Airlines branches in Aden and Sana'a regarding the payment mechanism.